BX1500 Front Axle Leak?

[cuoffroad]

I've had this tractor for 15 absolute trouble free years. Not one problem. Bought it new.

I'm assuming my leak is some type of front axle seal leak....ASSuming. Looking for guidance, please.

1. Is this a front axle leak?
2. Is it a seal?
3. AND, a BIG 3....can I fix it myself? Normally I'd take this to my dealer but yep, closed because of COVID. And....the grass is starting to grow!

Is there a workshop manual that would walk me through this? I have no problem tearing into anything mechanical, just never worked on something like this on my BX.

So much appreciate any help.

 

[jonsstihl]

it could be coming from the axle but it also could be coming from the engine above the axle and leaking onto the axle.

looks too clear to be engine oil unless you just changed the engine oil. clean it off real good then check it again to see where exactly it is coming from.

if it is axle it could be the o-rings in the pivot. have you adjusted the front axle pivot recently.

if it is axle you could try putting gear oil in the axle instead of sudt it may leak less and get you by until your dealer is opens.

 

[Volfandt]

It's probably the axle pivot O rings leaking, theres one on the front and one on the rear of the axle where the pivot pin goes through. Theres also the probability that the two bushings are worn and need replaced as well as the pivot pin. There are two O rings, two plastic split washers that hold them in and two bushings that the pivot pin rides through.
All that said you may just need to retorque the axle shaft castle nut to stop the leak and thats the 1st thing to try.
Remove the cotter pin then torque the pivot shaft castle nut to 14 ft lbs ( or two clicks of the wrist tight). If the new cotter pin doesn't line up tighten until a slot does. You might also change out the SUDT in the front axle to 80/90 gear oil if you haven't to get a little thicker lube in it.
If it continues to leak after this you'll need to replace the O rings, plastic split washers and probably the pivot shaft. They are somewhat easy to replace. If there's alot of play between the pivot shaft and bushings then you'll have to do the bushings and they aren't easy.
So do the easy 1st and work towards the hard as needed.
I replaced all those parts including the bushings in my 2004 BX23D at around 950 hrs and haven't had any leaks in over 100 hrs since.
Good luck.

 

[cuoffroad]

Thank you both. I'm sure the leak is not coming from above.

Just as part of the maintenance schedule I have had to re-torque the pivot shaft castle nut in the past. Believe I've done it twice. I'll check it again today.

After checking the castle nut I think I'll try changing to the 80/90 gear oil and see if it gets be through until the dealer opens back up.

Really appreciate the information and suggestions.