B7100HST-D Broken Locking Rear Diff

[KJINTF]

Thought the job would be easy - NOT!
Took the Right Rear Wheel, Hub, Fender, Brake, and Axle Case off
Relieved the fork and clutch dog gear to be in great shape - The diff case tabs are the problem
Has anyone replaced the diff case?
How much more of a job is it?

 

[Recoveryhill]

I took the time to look at my L3700 Workshop Manual and one thing (I think) is clear. You're going to need to split the tractor at engine to clutch housing. The manual is clear on servicing the ring and pinion and of course if you are 4WD, the front drive comes off the differential case, at least on an L.

Unless you are really well equipped I might consider recommending you go to a shop that does this work. First thing I would do would be to call Messicks and discuss the issue with one of their parts guys. They can price the components and probably give you good advice on how to proceed. They also have diagrams online, if you don't have a manual.

My manual does not point out "Differential Case Tabs" so I really can't address that. As for causation, turning the machine with the differential locked is a big no no. Best of luck getting your machine back up and proper.

 

[Jim Nelson]

Not sure what you mean by "tabs" but if you mean the part the dog gear engages with, which is the differential gear case or pumpkin as we used to call it, it's not as bad as it looks. I did my B7800 and the only part I had the dealers' shop do was press the gears and bearings off the old case and on to the new case.Just watch what you are doing and take lots of pictures.On mine I didn't have to split the tractor but if you do it's not that tough if you have a place to work with a concrete floor.

 

[KJINTF]

Thanks for the suggestions
Yes I have the factory manuals - can't do a proper job without them
Yes - The end of the diff case that engages with the clutch dog - why isn't the small easily replaceable clutch dog made to fail before the expensive diff case?
Will get some pics today and post them - The below link shows pics of the last repair

I guess I'm lucky I have a vehicle hoist in a heated shop with concrete floors.
The tractor is currently in several pieces sitting on top of the hoist
It's the 4wd model and looks like all I have to do it take the left tire, fender and case off and maybe the top case off but not split the engine

Second time I have had to get the tractor up on the hoist
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/219584-my-b7100-broken.html?highlight=

Talked with Messicks nice folks the part costs $182.00 plus shipping

 

[Jim Nelson]

I agree that the wrong part is made of soft material and I'm sure an engineer somewhere can make sense of it.When I did mine I took both fenders off and both rear wheels as you need to remove both axles to lift the unit out. It's been a while since I did mine but I remember I was really intimidated going in but found that it is pretty straight forward once you get into it.I replaced both parts on mine though I really think I could have re used the clutch piece.

 

[KJINTF]

Jim

Do I understand correctly that I do not have to take the top of the rear case off only the two sides and pull the diff assembly out one side?
I was thinking of jamming rags in there and "grinding" off the rounded portions of the diff case
What do you think?

 

[Jim Nelson]

On mine I took the top off and just lifted it out after pulling the axles. I didn't think about coming out the side.I think going back together and replacing the shims and lining things up you are better off going through the top for visibility if nothing else.