Front axle leaking on 2001 4300

Dicky · Mar 26, 2006

Hi all.
Looked at my tractor wheel this moring and saw oil on the rim. On closer inspection, it looks as if one of the seals in the front axle right above the rim is leaking. Anybody had this problem? If so how big of a job is it to fix?

01 4300 HST 4WD

Thanks

osprey · Mar 26, 2006

It is not too big of a job.

rockyridgefarm · Mar 26, 2006

I have the service manual page on a 4310. Lemme know if you need it. You can also see an exploded view at jdparts

Dicky · Mar 26, 2006

Thanks for the offer. Please post it or jzuccone@hotmail.com it to me.

Cidertom · Mar 27, 2006

I had the problem. On that tractor there are two different front axles. One has a simple ring to hold the hub in place and the other uses a special nut. The simple one took about 2 hours (not counting building the hydro press to push out the bearings). I had to use more force to seperate the cover plate from the housing than I like, but it will come off. I bought the cd manual and it's price was covered by this repair in savings. If I had the nut version where you have to set it up with rolling torque, I would take it to a dealer.

owenf · Mar 28, 2006

This happened to me also, but it was due to winding some horse tail hair into the seal. The fluid exited quickly! Not a bad or expensive fix, I took the hub off, and the dealer did the hard work! When I picked it up, it was under $50. I can send you complete instructions also if needed. Good luck, it isn't that bad, you can do it.

pat32rf · Mar 30, 2006

On mine it was what I think of as the "king-pin" seal. The one above the gearbox that allows you to steer, not the actual wheel bearing seal. In my case the price of the JD seal alone was over$50. Next time I go to a bearing/seal supplier if possible.

Dicky · Mar 31, 2006

Now as I look at it - both sides are leaking. I got a price on one seal - 47.00! I am beginning to question whether I should take it to the dealer. If anyone has the shop manual that shows how to do it - it would be great to have it. Also, I know there were 2 different axles - how do I tell which one I have and are the seals the same for both?

Thanks