Front Axle Leak

[Barryh]

Don't know about you guys but this is how I love to spend my weekends. (NOT) Of course after waiting a week for the parts, the dealer gave me the wrong size bushing so, guess next week I'll be putting her back together. From the look of the pivot bolt one side looks very worn my guess, this is where the oil is getting past the seals as they didn't really look that bad.

 

[638]

Berryh,

How many hours are on your bx1500? Did you keep the adjustment of the pivot bolt tight as per the service manual? How much of your total time was using the FEL? Inquiring minds would like to know. Thanks.

ron

 

[Barryh]

Berryh,

How many hours are on your bx1500? Did you keep the adjustment of the pivot bolt tight as per the service manual? How much of your total time was using the FEL? Inquiring minds would like to know. Thanks.

ron

Hi Ron,

I bought this tractor used with front the end loader nothing else, which is all I wanted it for. I already had a dedicated lawn tractor. It had around 420 hours on it. I had not made any adjustments to the pivot bolt.

I've only put around 30 hours on it myself, so far all front end loader work. When I first got it home It had a bad hydraulic leak under the steering unit. So while I had it all apart I replaced all of the hydraulic hose's.

 

[638]

You do have a counter weight on the back end don't you?? If not, you can very easly overload the front axle with a FEL.

ron

 

[Barryh]

Ron,

even though the damage was done before I bought the tractor. Your advice is right on the money. I had planned to use some sort of counter weight.
I'm also refilling with gear oil.

I haven't decided if I want to load the tires to keep the extra weight off of the frame or, just attach something to the 3 point. After this repair you can bet that will be my first priority. Thanks for the input it's appreciated.

 

[rbargeron]

..............I haven't decided if I want to load the tires to keep the extra weight off of the frame or, just attach something to the 3 point...........

Hi Barryh, to reduce the load on the front axle, the extra weight has to be located behind the rear axle. If it is at the center (like wheel weights or liquid ballast) it doesn't have any effect on front axle load. In fact it makes it possible to overload the front even more because it masks the fact that the back would be getting light without it.

 

[Barryh]

Hi Barryh, to reduce the load on the front axle, the extra weight has to be located behind the rear axle. If it is at the center (like wheel weights or liquid ballast) it doesn't have any effect on front axle load. In fact it makes it possible to overload the front even more because it masks the fact that the back would be getting light without it.

Very good point, makes good sense thanks for the feedback.

 

[ozzie tractor]

you may have got off lightly actually. i had a few go through where people have not used a counter weight and the hubs have cracked at the bevel gear pivot. this turns a leaking king pin seal (well thats what we thought it was until we got into it anyway) into a fairly expensive repair.

 

[Barryh]

you may have got off lightly actually. i had a few go through where people have not used a counter weight and the hubs have cracked at the bevel gear pivot. this turns a leaking king pin seal (well thats what we thought it was until we got into it anyway) into a fairly expensive repair.

The jury is still out on if I got off lightly. Did not notice any cracks at least not to the naked eye. I hope it turns out to be a simple fix once I getter all back together. Expensive is not in my play book at this time.

 

[Barryh]

Alright,

got the new bushings and o-rings in, put the axle /power steering and hose's back on, and no leaks of any kind. Cleaned up and lubed my 4x4 shaft and splines. I also went with 80/90 weight this time. The SUDT is to thin for my taste. I even fixed my heat gage while I had the front grill off. Feels good to have er back up and running.

Next move is to add ballast per everyone's suggestion here and, also to make some sort of venting for the axle. Anyone done this if so any tips on the best way.

Right now I'm thinking just drill a small hole in the cap and cover the hole with Velcro and then maybe attach some fine screen and cotton gose over that. right now just my initial thoughts.

 

[TobyH]

Do a search. About a year or so ago there was a thread talking about pressure building in the front axle with temp changes and a couple guys did some mods. One I remember used a flexible hose run up into the engine compartment to avoid getting water in the axle when it rains or when trying out the 4x4 in a mud bog.

That's a high priority mod on my list but I misplace that darn round tuit!

 

[KubotaSam]

If you are going to vent the axle you need to attach a hose and bring it up as high as possible under the hood of the tractor. If you ever need to go through a brook or a small stream or get stuck deep in the mud the hose will keep contamination (water) from entering the axle. Drill and tap with 1/8 pipe thread and get an adapter at any auto parts store. It does not take much water and even less mud to really mess things up.

 

[KubotaSam]

I forgot to say that at the top of the hose you should have an upside down U shape. So the end is pointing back down. This is just in case you leave the hood up and it rains.

 

[TobyH]

This is just in case you leave the hood up and it rains.

The Kubota out in the rain?!?

 

[Barryh]

Thanks for the idea guys sounds like the way to go, I appreciate it..

 

[Orangeman1]

ok,

on the front axle, how did you get your bushings out?

I'm having a heckuva time getting anywhere on them.

Anyone give me any advice on technique?