How do I take this apart?

[Blstr88]

J2023H, has been leaking oil intermittently from this spot for years. I’ve finally had it and decided to try replacing the seal. Seal is in hand, I drained the oil from the front axle today and realized I’m not seeing any obvious way to pull this apart…do I need to take this whole front diff apart?

 

[Blstr88]

#2 in this schematic is what I’m trying to replace…

Does #8 (the cover) need to come off?

 

[Topzide]

Yes, it does. That's very similar to a Kubota that I had to replace those seals on. If i remember correctly, after removing cover to access inside, you'll need to un-bolt and remove gears to press apart. Replace seal and press together. Hopefully, someone will link a repair manual. I was working blind until I found some info with diagrams online. Good luck with repairs.

 

[Topzide]

#4 & #6 retainer rings need to be removed. I used a hammer and wood block to separate. For reassemble, I used a hydraulic jacy inside of a square i had welded up to use jack to press apart. Had to look at diagram closer to remember what I did. Hope this helps.

 

[oldnslo]

If like my Branson there is a snap ring (item 6 maybe) you remove and the whole assembly slides down. If like my Branson old seal was two piece new is one piece so make sure all of the old seal is off the axle assembly.

 

[CalG]

Just an off hand comment based on a similar leak.

The Hurlimann 435 leaked fluid constantly from the left front knuckle.
I was topping up the axle every month.
Just about the time I was going to take it apart, a close inspection revealed that some grass like debris had wrapped around the area. I took some time with a pick and got everything out that I could detect. The leak went away!

Not long after, I over loaded the front axle trying to upend a rather large tree stump while carrying a good amount of weight out back. The axle cross member broke! :-( I had to completely gut the old axle cross member and rebuild with a new housing obtained from D-F. But that old leaky seal went back in with the other parts and is still functioning leak free to this day!

Advice? Check for removable debris, those rubber lip seals are good engineering!