Fluid running down inside of front tire... what to check

erkme73 · Nov 26, 2017

New to tractor ownership (< 2 weeks). Discovered a line of fluid (oil?) running from rim to ground on the inside bottom of the front DS tire. Haven't had a chance to get a close look.

I don't have a trailer to haul my tractor, and the dealer is about 40 min away. I still have 4 months of the bumper-to-bumper warranty left. Is this something I should tackle on my own, or should I try to get the dealer involved?

darmstrong2319 · Nov 26, 2017

Let dealer take care of it while it’s under warranty. It might just be a seal or it could be serious. Under warranty call dealer.

erkme73 · Nov 26, 2017

I think that's the way I'll go - but from what I understand, the dealer won't cover transportation to/from their location. Might have to research that a bit.

oosik · Nov 26, 2017

Let the dealer take care of this situation. It could be serious - something you are not prepared to repair.

sixdogs · Nov 26, 2017

Have you added fluid to the front hubs and that overfilling might be a factor? If not, it's the dealer's problem.

rustyshakelford · Nov 26, 2017

Warranty usually won’t cover pickup/delivery. However, sometime being very nice to the dealer will help with the cost of it. Call them tomorrow and tell them what’s going on and see what they say

Brett

erkme73 · Nov 26, 2017

That is the plan, Brett. Since I've only had it for two weeks, I'm trying to shake out any remaining gremlins, or find any other issues that might require their attention. I'd hate to get it to them without a comprehensive list of things. There's a pretty good chance this will be the last transport to the dealer while still under warranty.

I've notice the following:

1) Slow drip from the QD fittings under the step
2) MIL comes on frequently if I don't keep engine RPM up (I know this is an issue with the EGR/mCRD design - but maybe there is newer firmware?)
3) Leaking front DS wheel
4) OBDII error reports two codes (engine overspeed and EGR exceeded learning curve limit)
5) Wiper fluid takes a good 30 seconds to prime and reach window (I know, petty, but hey...)

Anyway, I'm having a 60x40 barn built this week (concrete slab) that will help me get a better look at everything. I hate to approach the dealer with a long list of seemingly petty things. I only hope they can sympathize with my desire to get one last good look at everything before liability shifts to my wallet (in mid-Feb).

erkme73 · Nov 26, 2017

sixdogs said:
Have you added fluid to the front hubs and that overfilling might be a factor? If not, it's the dealer's problem.

No. In fact, I'm so green, I don't even know how to check all of the fluids. The previous (original) owner was killed by the tractor (the trailer it was on rolled over him) - and his wife had already sold many of the implements, the trailer, and the tow vehicle which contained the owner's manual.

On my to-do list is to get a new manual and have full service performed (probably when it goes in for the warranty work). There are 130 hours on the tractor, and 50 hour service was performed by the dealer.

The dealer recently changed from a flat-fee for on-site service, to an hourly rate which begins when they leave the shop, and stops when the get back.

4570Man · Nov 26, 2017

On my tractor it was the seals on the pivot. Pretty cheap and not a bad repair if you're mechanically inclined. I'd way rather do It myself as drive 160 miles. I'd expect free seals from the dealer and I'd try to get $50 for my troubles. The $50 wouldn't be a deal breaker.