2011 John Deere 4320 front axle leak

[Tfly88]

I have a 2010-2011 John Deere 4320 with a small leak on the front axle. It’s not down by the wheel, seems to be leaking where the front knuckle (not sure if that’s what it’s called) bolts to the axle with the 4 bolts. I talked to the tech at John Deere and he says there isn’t a gasket just rtv. Does anyone know if I take those 4 bolts that hold it on will it slide out so I can clean and re apply rtv sealant. Thanks for any help and also sorry if I posted this in the wrong section.

 

[oldtimer 66]

Here are some details on the front axle. I have never done this but only looked thru the attachments. You need to drain the oil/ aka maybe make this an oil change/ 600 hrs. Support the axle, remove the wheel. Removing the 4 bolts should let you remove the complete spindle assembly?. A couple of cautions. This assembly is heavy, it has a short pilot diameter on the axle housing and there is a spline fit from the drive axle to the 12T gear. It may slide right off but getting it back together maybe be awkward. Maybe just slide it apart just enough to clean the 2 surfaces. It will take some time for the oil to quit draining/ weeping in that area. Clean it up and use the JD sealant called out, TY6304 and torque to the spec. 211 to 233 ft./lbs.. Later.

 

[Tfly88]

Great thank you very much

Here are some details on the front axle. I have never done this but only looked thru the attachments. You need to drain the oil/ aka maybe make this an oil change/ 600 hrs. Support the axle, remove the wheel. Removing the 4 bolts should let you remove the complete spindle assembly?. A couple of cautions. This assembly is heavy, it has a short pilot diameter on the axle housing and there is a spline fit from the drive axle to the 12T gear. It may slide right off but getting it back together maybe be awkward. Maybe just slide it apart just enough to clean the 2 surfaces. It will take some time for the oil to quit draining/ weeping in that area. Clean it up and use the JD sealant called out, TY6304 and torque to the spec. 211 to 233 ft./lbs.. Later.View attachment 2992201View attachment 2992202View attachment 2992203View attachment 2992204View attachment 2992205

thank You very much for the information. I had a guy on Facebook told me pretty much the same thing as you did I work on a lot of heavy diesel dump trucks and heavy equipment so I have an idea what I’m doing. Just never pulled apart one of these before I have a lift I’m gonna use with a chain to support the knuckle as I slide it off and I’m gonna try to just slide it off a little bit that way I can clean the surfaces put gasket maker and slide it back on. Thank you for all the service information. If I run into any issues I’ll make sure to reach out to you

 

[Tfly88]

Here are some details on the front axle. I have never done this but only looked thru the attachments. You need to drain the oil/ aka maybe make this an oil change/ 600 hrs. Support the axle, remove the wheel. Removing the 4 bolts should let you remove the complete spindle assembly?. A couple of cautions. This assembly is heavy, it has a short pilot diameter on the axle housing and there is a spline fit from the drive axle to the 12T gear. It may slide right off but getting it back together maybe be awkward. Maybe just slide it apart just enough to clean the 2 surfaces. It will take some time for the oil to quit draining/ weeping in that area. Clean it up and use the JD sealant called out, TY6304 and torque to the spec. 211 to 233 ft./lbs.. Later.View attachment 2992201View attachment 2992202View attachment 2992203View attachment 2992204View attachment 2992205

Would you happen to know how much fluid the front differential holds? I got it pulled apart

 

[oldtimer 66]

Sorry for the late reply. I have been out of town. In the write up it calls out 5.0L aka 1.3 gal.

 

[oldtimer 66]

I better clarify the amount of oil. If you drained all 3 sections, both sides and the middle differential, then you would need the 1.3 gallons. And you would want to verify the oil level using the dipstick on the fill plug.