GC2400 Front Drive Leak

[walhondingMF]

I am new to the front drive system on the subcompact tractors, including my gc2400. I changed the fluid before the mowing season. Over the summer, there was a little fluid seeping out around the fill cap, but nothing significant. I am used to seeing that kind of thing on other machines. Just yesterday, I noticed a very small spot on my garage floor on the opposite side. The seal where the where the hub spins on the axle arm (not sure how else to describe it) seems to have developed a small leak now. Nothing all summer, especially when it was warm and in use. Other than normal use, is there a reason why it would start leaking now? I don't think its bad enough to worry about, but that's why I am asking.

 

[Dmacleo]

how many hours on tractor and on last service did you SPECIFICALLY clean the left front axle fill point/plug ?
its very easy in any system to create leaks if the vent not cleaned, on GC series the vents are part of the fill plugs, easy way to tell is they have a slant at bottom. for your front axle its the left side plastic thing.
pretty sure when speak of fill cap you mean this but...you never mentioned cleaning it...and it IS your vent

 

[walhondingMF]

I don't remember cleaning it but it may haven been working fine until now. Maybe picked up some dirt and is forcing fluid out the seal. I will check that first thing. Thank you

 

[DMW]

Clean off the area of the leak to determine the source. I have had loader hose leaks that have dripped on to the axle. If you not sure of the axle fluid level, post a picture. The gears inside should not be completely covered.

 

[walhondingMF]

Took the plug out and made sure it was clean. I looked around the outside of it but I can't seem to find a hole for any venting? The fluid level is good. Top gear is about 1/2 covered. The leak is for sure coming out from the pivot seal. Hasn't dripped since I looked at it last but it is cold. I will need to run it this weekend and see if anything changes.

 

[Dmacleo]

the left side axle plastic plug IS your vent

 

[walhondingMF]

Is it designed to just expand to allow it to breath? I see small amounts of fluid around it all summer, knowing it seems normal. I'm just not sure how it does it exactly so I know where/how to keep it clean.
The leak is on the opposite side from the plug.

 

[DMW]

What fluid did you use for the front axle?

 

[walhondingMF]

Hydraulic. Same as the transmission.

 

[cdaigle430]

Sounds like the pivot arm seal is leaking and it will have to be replaced on both sides preferably. I as well as others have replaced them and its not too bad if a job.

There is instructions and pics on how to do this as well as seal part numbers here in the forum.

The hardest part was finding an eclip pliers with a long enough reach and putting the hup back on.

I also git rid of the lighter oil and added heavier 90w axle fluid.

There is alot of weight on these seals.

 

[ray66v]

I also git rid of the lighter oil and added heavier 90w axle fluid.

This is a misconception.

The hydraulic oil, and the 85w-90 gear oil are about the same viscosity at normal temperatures.

Not enough difference to have any affect on leaks.

 

[walhondingMF]

Thanks everyone. I will search for the thread with the parts information. I'm going to give it a try myself I think. How long of a job am I looking at here? I'm assuming just a seal can't cost that much and the cost of replacing the fluid. I don't have very long eclip pliers so I guess Ill be getting a set of those as well. Seems to me like a pretty typical place for a 10 year old tractor to start having some leaks.

 

[cdaigle430]

Took me half a day but im no mechanic. Take your time and dont cut any corners. Watch the hub covers as they are made of aluminum. I used too much pressure on the pinch bar in the pry point on one. They can be stubborn to remove.

 

[cdaigle430]

This is a misconception.

The hydraulic oil, and the 85w-90 gear oil are about the same viscosity at normal temperatures.

Not enough difference to have any affect on leaks.

Maybe the dealer gave me even thicker oil? I remember it tool a long time to refill it

 

[Dmacleo]

Maybe the dealer gave me even thicker oil? I remember it tool a long time to refill

front axle does take a bit to do, pour some in wait a bit for it to level out pour more in. having the air bleeds on each wheel off does help.

edit: fwiw doing it when its not 26F out helps too.

 

[walhondingMF]

It seems like the most important/ critical tool I will need is a longer set of ering ring pliers. Would anyone that has done this job have a picture of the ones they used? I would like to just order them so I have them ready when I get the time maybe over Christmas break.

 

[cdaigle430]

Ill take a pic tomorrow...i believe I git this one from Advanced Auto

 

[walhondingMF]

So the tractor sat for a month and had a little bit of leakage. Checked fluid and added a little. Cleaned the fill plug really good. Used the tractor for a few hours to move a bunch of firewood. Its been sitting for a few days now and has not leaked. I'm holding out that the breather was just plugged.

 

[Dmacleo]

plugged vent can cause issues.
hopefully all set now.

 

[GeneV]

Just saw a vid the other day, a dude with a GC tractor, talking about the vent holes (hst and the front axle). Regarding the front axle, that vent could get plugged up, so I'd check on that.