DK40 front bearing failure @ 1300 hours

[dfkrug]

Be forewarned, the following has not been tested in this specific application in any way. Just "thinking out loud"

After reading through SKF's bearing book, I would say that their NUP208ECP and NUP209ECP roller bearings could possibly be a suitable replacement for the 6208 and 6209 ball bearings.

This is exactly the failure and the solution to failed fork bearings in my old Kawasaki street bike. The ball bearings failed, and roller bearings that had the same dimensions solved the problem. It was so common, the maker eventually went roller. Duh.

 

[Kioti Paul]

xcgreene, the roller bearings sounds like an excellent idea!

I plan to inspect my bearings, probably in early march. They are not giving any trouble - as far as I know- but this thread has me concerned as to what MIGHT be happening. I would really hate to break down in the middle of hay baling.

If I decide the bearings need replacing, I will go with the roller bearings (I ain't skeered!)

 

[southerniltractor]

Howdy folks,

I've been planning on installing new front wheel bearings at 1000 hours. Upon reflection, it may be prudent to do this sooner than later. I'm due to change the axle lube and it makes sense to do this at same time.

Looking at the service manual, I pull off the wheel, unbolt the hub and have full access to both bearings and the floating seal. There is a large o-ring that seals the hub. Do I have this right?

As far as parts, I'll need the bearings and a new seal?

Appreciate your thoughts guys.

Be well,
Mike

 

[xcgreene]

Howdy folks,

I've been planning on installing new front wheel bearings at 1000 hours. Upon reflection, it may be prudent to do this sooner than later. I'm due to change the axle lube and it makes sense to do this at same time.

Looking at the service manual, I pull off the wheel, unbolt the hub and have full access to both bearings and the floating seal. There is a large o-ring that seals the hub. Do I have this right?

As far as parts, I'll need the bearings and a new seal?

Appreciate your thoughts guys.

Be well,
Mike

All seals should be replaced when doing this job. Especially the floating seal. Curious of their price. I've seen similar tractors seals go for $50 each. But for 1000hrs, and piece of mind, its well worth it. I still see no reason those bearings wouldn't work, but if you had time, removed the bearings first, and take measure, and double check the roller bearing replacement part numbers. again, what i posted there in the past, was just a catalog flipping exercise, and something I'll confirm myself when I start having front axle issues.

 

[RickB]

I think plain roller bearings are a poor choice for this application and so do all those folks that design and engineer tractors. Ball bearings and opposing tapered roller bearings are designed to carry axial loads while plain roller bearings are not. CUT front axles are subjected to substantial axial loading. There are reasons that tractors do not use roller bearings to support axles, front or rear. Individual engineers can have stupid ideas put in production, an entire industry rarely does.

 

[dfkrug]

Yeah, we should not conflate straight roller bearings with tapered roller bearings. "Roller bearings" could mean either.

My example above was for tapered RBs.

Here is an example of a straight or plain RB, in an MFWD Dana-Spicer axle from a Deere CUT. First time I ran into a bearing made by Link-Belt.

 

[grsthegreat]

I wish i saw this post earlier. I lost an outer bearing that took out my cover and axle hub. Ill be out about $1000 by the time this is over. Im going to replace bearings and seals on other side also to be safe.

and ill tell you what……gettin* cover and axle were next to impossible. Says its all covid related. More than likely there sitting in a container in LA docks somewheres.

 

[5030]

More than likely there sitting in a container in LA docks somewheres.

Or floating around on a container ship 'loitering' in the bay...

 

[5030]

I think plain roller bearings are a poor choice for this application and so do all those folks that design and engineer tractors. Ball bearings and opposing tapered roller bearings are designed to carry axial loads while plain roller bearings are not. CUT front axles are subjected to substantial axial loading. There are reasons that tractors do not use roller bearings to support axles, front or rear. Individual engineers can have stupid ideas put in production, an entire industry rarely does.

Don't know if I agree with you actually. I've never seen any car, light truck or heavy duty truck with ball bearings in the hubs. All tapered rollers. I think ball bearings in tractor axles are a cop out for cost to manufacture and larger tractors in the ag class all have tapered rollers in the hubs.

 

[grsthegreat]

Well, new bearings, seals and outer case showed up today. Waiting for axle hub.