Leaking Front Axle Seals

[dangier_VA]

I have been reading through postings regarding leaking front axle seals and there quite a few. I replaced both front seals on my 2003 L3130 March of 2013 (both were leaking and leaving 3-4" spots on the floor. March of 2017 the RF seal had started to leak and was replaced. Last week the LF seal was leaving a oil trail on the tire. I have ordered both seals with orings from M______'s.

I have torn down the offending seal and noticed rust and cracks on the od of the seal surface. I do not put my tractors in water (have got caught in rain a couple of times). In pulling the nuckle apart, the exposed top of the seal is cracked and when pushed on, water comes out. There was no water in the oil though.

Upon reading threads with the issue, several posters have mentioned excess pressure in the axle causing the leaks. My L3130 does not have a vent system that I can find. So, I scraped together some fittings and drilled/tapped the axle fill plug, installed a vent and ran hose up to the top of the engine. Maybe the new seals will last longer. Now I have to make sure I don't rip the fittings out with brush work.
David

 

[Oldpath05]

Four years ago my front end seals were leaking, checked for front end movement, found none so drained fluid, replaced with 85w140 then added the recommended amount of ATP AT-205, still no leaking sofar. Haven't replaced seals/bearings yet with 1100 hr of extreme hard use.
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https://www.amazon.com/ATP-AT-205-R...t=&hvlocphy=1019006&hvtargid=pla-406644660655

 

[TnAndy]

I have been reading through postings regarding leaking front axle seals and there quite a few. I replaced both front seals on my 2003 L3130 March of 2013 (both were leaking and leaving 3-4" spots on the floor. March of 2017 the RF seal had started to leak and was replaced. Last week the LF seal was leaving a oil trail on the tire. I have ordered both seals with orings from M______'s.

I have torn down the offending seal and noticed rust and cracks on the od of the seal surface. I do not put my tractors in water (have got caught in rain a couple of times). In pulling the nuckle apart, the exposed top of the seal is cracked and when pushed on, water comes out. There was no water in the oil though.

Upon reading threads with the issue, several posters have mentioned excess pressure in the axle causing the leaks. My L3130 does not have a vent system that I can find. So, I scraped together some fittings and drilled/tapped the axle fill plug, installed a vent and ran hose up to the top of the engine. Maybe the new seals will last longer. Now I have to make sure I don't rip the fittings out with brush work.
David

Did you look closely at the bearings ? That would be more of an issue than an unvented crankcase to me. Front outboard seal on my Yanmar started pouring fluid down the tire one day. Took it apart and the bearing had failed BAD with the ball holder ruptured and that is what cut the seal. Your bearing probably isn't this bad, or you'd have noticed it....but the bearing could be sloppy and allowing the outshaft to wallow out the seal. If it does it again, replace bearings as well as seals.

 

[dangier_VA]

Ok, stripped everything down and all bearings are good. Only problem I can see is the od of the old seal surface is rusty with a rough face that could allow oil to leak by like water has been sitting in it). Ran a wire brush over the rough area on a 4" hand grinder and it cleaned up well. New seal is tight.

The only possibility that comes to mind is I do a lot of brush hogging in tall grass (5' to 6'), and something has got in the seal area. Will keep an eye on it.

David

 

[yomax4]

I drained my leaky front end and filled with Lucas Hub Oil. ( Suggested on here ) Seal Leaks went away.

 

[TnAndy]

I drained my leaky front end and filled with Lucas Hub Oil. ( Suggested on here ) Seal Leaks went away.

Never heard of it until your post. Did some reading on it, and will be adding couple quarts to my inventory of lubes/etc.

Thanks for the info :thumbsup: