How to Tell if Front Axle Bearing is Bad?

[Suburban Plowboy]

My Kubota L3710 released some oil from the left front hub. Not much. I topped it off and ordered parts so I could replace a seal, an O-ring, and two bearings.

My understanding is that if I jack the wheel up and wrestle with it, and it doesn't seem loose, I can keep using the tractor until the parts get here. Is that true?

 

[oldnslo]

If bearings are bad you should feel some play when trying to rock it or wrestle with it. Depending on how bad could also feel rough when turning the wheel.

 

[Suburban Plowboy]

Thanks. I am wondering if I can shoot something in there to seal the leak up so I can fix it when the weather is cooler.

 

[RayIN]

Thanks. I am wondering if I can shoot something in there to seal the leak up so I can fix it when the weather is cooler.

Not without affecting all the seals common to that lubricating system.

 

[oldnslo]

Thanks. I am wondering if I can shoot something in there to seal the leak up so I can fix it when the weather is cooler.

If minimal leak and bearings ate not bad you might be better to just keep adding oil vs trying something to plug the leak.