L5740 front axle o-ring pushed out while greasing

[cstamm81]

I was greasing my new to me 5740 before a long day of earth moving. While greasing the 2 front axle zerks, I noticed half of an o ring protruding between the front axle case and the axle holder. In the drawing below, the part is 070.


I'm assuming the o ring is there simply to hold the grease in the bushing in front of it. I most likely over-greased it, causing my own issue. Has anyone torn into the front axle? In the drawing, it doesn't look like too bad of a job, but I have not inspected the physical machine to see what else has to be disassembled. Also, if I were to keep greasing it regularly, how critical is it to replace the o ring?

 

[SDT]

I was greasing my new to me 5740 before a long day of earth moving. While greasing the 2 front axle zerks, I noticed half of an o ring protruding between the front axle case and the axle holder. In the drawing below, the part is 070.
View attachment 663957

I'm assuming the o ring is there simply to hold the grease in the bushing in front of it. I most likely over-greased it, causing my own issue. Has anyone torn into the front axle? In the drawing, it doesn't look like too bad of a job, but I have not inspected the physical machine to see what else has to be disassembled. Also, if I were to keep greasing it regularly, how critical is it to replace the o ring?

You're supposed to remove the plug before greasing to prevent pressureizing the void.

Covered in the Owner's Manual.

SDT

 

[crashz]

If it were a bucket pin, I'd say let it go. But it supports the front axle and any movement other than oscillation may damage the front drive. The O ring is keeping grease in, but more importantly, dirt and water out. I would replace it on a new or newish machine. Gonna look at mine now...

 

[cstamm81]

Literally just read that... a day late and a few dollars short. I have the operators manual, but nothing else. Besides the workshop manual, anything else I should get? I can look at the parts breakdown on Messicks, so parts should be covered.

 

[cstamm81]

If it were a bucket pin, I'd say let it go. But it supports the front axle and any movement other than oscillation may damage the front drive. The O ring is keeping grease in, but more importantly, dirt and water out. I would replace it on a new or newish machine. Gonna look at mine now...

I agree with you, I'm going to order the o ring and put new bushings in while I'm at it. This is what I get for not following greasing instructions...

 

[SDT]

I agree with you, I'm going to order the o ring and put new bushings in while I'm at it. This is what I get for not following greasing instructions...

It shouldn't need new bushings unless it has significant time on it or has not been properly serviced.

FWIW: The function of the O-ring is to keep dirt out rather than grease in.

SDT

 

[cstamm81]

It shouldn't need new bushings unless it has significant time on it or has not been properly serviced.

FWIW: The function of the O-ring is to keep dirt out rather than grease in.

SDT

Thanks for the clarification. I won't do any mud bogging in the meantime, and I'll keep an eye on the area for dirt buildup. Would you recommend I order any other parts in that assembly while I have everything apart? I obviously won't know if there are any other issues until I tear into it. That said, to me, I'd want to replace any wear parts while I'm at it, as they don't cost much.

 

[FatTire]

Wondering why the front carrier bracket needs a breather plug but the one behind the axle does not? The rear one is larger, but otherwise they are similar.

 

[cstamm81]

Wondering why the front carrier bracket needs a breather plug but the one behind the axle does not? The rear one is larger, but otherwise they are similar.

I wondered the same thing when I looked at the assembly closely. Also, none of my other tractors have ever had this breather. It definitely tells you to pull the breather in the book though, and I can tell you what happens if you don't! I'll be greasing the rear zerk very gingerly as well. I hate having to do repairs due to my own stupidity.

 

[Oldpath05]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I was going to say that to, been wondering why no rear vent plug myself for years, I just give a quick pump in both around 50 hr or so if I use the tractor a lot, especial on uneven ground.