Kioti RX7320: Both Rear Wheel Hubs Leaking Oil

[OrangeAgain]

I accepted delivery of a new Kioti RX7320PCB on 11.23.2015. Since then I have put 216 hours of gentle use onto the tractor. All of the tractor hours have be light farm work including only snow removal with the FEL and roto-tilling. The tractor has always been under cover.

During an engine oil change a few days ago, I was told and shown that both rear wheel hubs were leaking oil.

As I read the Kioti tractor warranty effective 12.16.2013, the tractor had only four years on such an issue.

Since it's just short of five years since I took delivery, is there any chance the repair could be covered by warranty?

How do I go about getting it covered under warranty if there is a chance?

 

[ovrszd]

Bummer. Probably not going to get it covered. The dealer would have to battle Kioti in your favor and convince them it should be covered. Good luck with this.

There was another thread here on TBN concerning a JD tractor with similar hrs but newer that had the same problem. That owner lucked out and got it covered. Required new axle shafts, bearings and seals.

Unless it's leaking horribly, I'd use it rather than pay for the repairs. Have you got any pics?

 

[OrangeAgain]

The leak isn't bad. The hydraulic oil was down just a bit so we topped it off. Had the tractor been used more in five years I expect the issue would have shown up a while ago.

Since the leak is very slow now, I'm thinking the repair should be done sooner than later (before a new axle & bearings have to be replaced).

Is it possible that the connection between the wheel hub and axle (not sure I am describing this correctly) can be tightened to stop the leak?

 

[ovrszd]

I tried to get a parts diagram online to display how it's assembled but could not. Maybe a Kioti owner more familiar can find it.

If it's assembled as most are the axle shaft assembly is held in the outer axle assembly by the bearing which is pressed onto the axle shaft or possibly a snap ring. The outer bearing is held in place on the outer axle housing possibly by a four bolt cap. The axle seal keeps the spinning shaft from leaking fluid at this cap.

So, is the leak at the outer axle shaft where it comes out of the outer housing? Can you confirm it's the shaft seal that's leaking?

If so, there won't be anything to tighten to stop this leak. It is the seal itself failing.

Another thing to consider. It's not uncommon for the axle shaft seals to seep a bit. This will be noticed by an accumulation of oily dust at the seal location.

In your case, is it leaking badly enough that oil drips off the axle housing or runs down the bottom of the housing and drips off the center housing? Does it spatter oil onto the inside of the wheels?

If there's no obvious drip or spattering of oil on the wheels I wouldn't worry about it.