3520 leaking fron axle

deerchop · Apr 27, 2007

OK, I only have about 54 hours on my 3520 and this past weekend while doing some serious yard reconstruction I noticed a heavy dirt build up on the front left wheel. I though maybe it had gotten wet or something in the process. I did my 50 hour service and noticed my front axle was a full quart low on fluid and it is coming out in the wheel at a very slow rate but still not acceptable for a new machine. I have already contacted the dealer but have some work to do before I give it up for who knows how long. Any one ever had this happen before, I'm just wondering what it could be. I have not pulled the wheel off to see if I could find anything yet but thought it could be something that has worked loose on that side during the break in since I have not taken it easy by any means. Any recommendations?.

dirtworksequip · Apr 27, 2007

Deerchop, have you at anytime ran it in water that was up to the bottom of the axle seal? If so, water has carried dirt into the seal and ruin the seal.

Sincerely,
Dirt

Cidertom · Apr 27, 2007

I had that problem at 500 hrs on my old 4300. I wound up buying the maint manual and changing it myself. No good reason it failed, it just got loose in one spot. I have heard of several seal failures on the front axle. Good thing it failed young on yours so the dealer will fix. My change job took most of a day.

TEW

deerchop · Apr 28, 2007

I have been in a couple wet spots but nothing really deep that I remember. may be that is what did it but it has been some time since doing that and it just started this past weekend. Who knows but the warranty will fix it. I just hope this is not a problem in the future coming up so early.

dirtworksequip · Apr 28, 2007

deerchop, my question is..............where you in the wet spots axle deep?

deerchop · Apr 29, 2007

DWE, I do not remember getting in water that deep and when I did take it through this mud hole it was back last October. I do wash it off after I use it when it is dirty though.

dirtworksequip · Apr 29, 2007

Deerchop,from what I understand there have been other tractors owned by TBN members that have had the front seals leak because they were run in water. The muddy water carries a small amount of dirt with it that acts like grit and eventually takes out the seal.

Sincerely,
Dirt

Jomo45 · Apr 30, 2007

I had the same leak on both sides, never ran in water.... I seem to recall others have had the same issue.

Regardless, surely these machines can stand a little water?? I can't think of another tractor or 4X4 truck that I have taken through water that had a problem. I don't think it is asking much to have our expensive, "well engineered" tractors do some work around water and mud without immediatly springing a leak.

dfb83 · May 5, 2007

I had the same thing happen on my 3320. When it went to the dealer they already had seen this before on other 3x20 tractors. Mine was caused by the front hub bolts breaking torque. (Or not torqued properly at the factory).

Rich