Front Axle Case Leak on L2950

Anonymous Poster · Aug 4, 2001

I have a 1994 Kubota L2950 4WD (bought used 4 months ago). I have a gear oil leak where the front axle case attaches to the bevel gear case with a 5 bolt flange pattern. I've ben told it is natural for gear oil to leak from this location.

I'm curious if its something I should be concerned about and how easy (or expensive) it might be for the flange gasket (if there is one) to be replaced. To do so appears that the front wheel/tires must come off.

Many thanks, Joe

Bird · Aug 4, 2001

Joe, as far as I'm concerned, no oil leak is "natural" and I'd want it fixed. Unfortunately, I'm not a mechanic and not familiar with the L2950, but looking at my manual for my B2710 shows the seal to be an o-ring instead of a gasket. While I'm not clear on the instructions, it appears that you might be able to open it up and replace that o-ring without removing other parts, but I would remove the tire and wheel first if it were me. A picture in my manual also shows no tie rod, but I'm not sure whether you would have to disconnect it or not.

Bird

DarinRay · Aug 5, 2001

Joe,
Like Bird stated no leak is natural and should be taken care of as soon as you can. I have a L35 that has the same problems and have been watching the oil level after noting that I let the oil level drop so low that the leak stopped. As Kubmech can tell you I thought I had special fix themselves gaskets or orings/w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif Duh! But now I just watch the oil level and only had to add oil that one time. About 40hrs ago. Another thing that happens is that dirt and silt can get into the axle and trash your bearings out and other vital components. It was suggested to keep the area as clean as possible to give it a fighting chance of survival. I'm sure someone else will give you more info later.

Darin

Jag · Aug 6, 2001

Joe, please keep us posted. I have a 95 L2650 that has just started to leak....

Anonymous Poster · Aug 6, 2001

Thanks Bird, I would have to disengage the tie rod... I guess it kinda tells I was looking at everything from the rear! Wish I had self healing oil seals, Darin. You should market those; you'd make a mint.

I stopped at a Kubota tractor dealer today and here is the story. These oil seals typically fail on this tractor series (as well as the L2350, L2650, L3450 and L3650) around 400-600 hours. Mine has 472 hours. The replacement seals typically would last 200-300 hours before you'd have to do it again. Kubota has issued a newer and supposedly improved seal but it hasn't been out long enough to see how well it holds up. So, this is a common problem on these units and they estimated the cost at $150. per side. Both sides of mine are leaking and he said if I did them both he'd guess $225. total (most all in labor). I'm not sure if its a repair I'll attempt myself. It sounds just complicated enough to turn into one of those regretable projects. Hope this helps, Jaq. How many hours on yours?

Best regards, Joe

kubmech · Aug 6, 2001

Joe, if it helps any that qoute sounds pretty reasonable.

Jag · Aug 7, 2001

Joe the leak started at about 480 hours... Now I have about 560 hours. I have filled the axle once and will check again befor the next use. So it is hard to say how fast it is leaking. Thanks for the update and info on the cost. I will most likely talk to the to local dealers (within 40-60 miles) and see what they say about cost. Again thanks for the heads up.....

Jag · Oct 3, 2001

Joe, how about an update on the front axle seals.... I am coming up on my 600 hrs service and was thinking of having the front axle done at this time....

mr_fixit · Oct 5, 2001

i work on kubotas and if it is not broken or worn out it doesn't leak. if you are talking about the part on the axle that is the first set of bolts either left or right of the pivot nothing to it. just dont loose the gear or shim, and be ready to lift about 100lbs that really wants to go to the ground in a rolling motion. if you are talking about the swivel ,turning part then thats more complicated,more gears and snap rings. if every thing comes apart well, only about 1.5 hrs labor where i work .good luck.......