[Kubota B3200] "Rear Seal is leaking" - What/where exactly is the "rear seal" on this tractor?

[arto98607]

I brought in the tractor to install the grapple and I asked the dealer to diagnosis a small leak in the rear end of the tractor.

They diagnosed it as "rear seal leak" and $800 plus fluid cost to repair it. I am trying to confirm and better understand what exactly is the "rear seal" - is this the seal at each end of the shaft, right before each rear wheel?

If so, why would the leak be in the center of the tractor and not right below the rear seals?

Could someone take a look at these photos and tell me where they think the leaking is coming from?

Thanks in advance!

View attachment 1423692View attachment 1423701View attachment 1423717

Sorry to hear about your trouble with the leaky seals, I hope you get it repaired properly!


I find it interesting when comparing older vs. newer tractor rear axle designs.
Below photo is an example of rear axle of 1986 Ford 1310 which has 19 hp engine.

There's been no need to repair it's rear axle yet - it's no wonder Ford sold their tractor business long time ago...

 

[Elviscaretaker]

Just my 2 cents here but seals sometimes leak for a reason... I'd take a look at that bearing on that axle and see if it's going out. Cheaper than waiting for that seal to completely fail then find out the bearing and the axle are now bad. Talking from experience

 

[sd455dan]

Just my 2 cents here but seals sometimes leak for a reason... I'd take a look at that bearing on that axle and see if it's going out. Cheaper than waiting for that seal to completely fail then find out the bearing and the axle are now bad. Talking from experience

Was thinking the same. At least a good idea to check, and eliminate it as a problem area by replacing it if it is going bad.


Maybe OP can jack up the rear axle "if there is a place to safely do it/ not just for the observer but the tractors housing as well.", and watch the axle shaft for any vertical movement in the housing.

Also possible to wear a grove in the seals running surface, and if is a common problem, some manufacturers offer an offset seal to locate the lip on a good part of the shafts surface.

Here is hoping the hydraulic Filter just needs a little twist instead.

 

[CalG]

Whe I hear the term "rear seal" the first thought is the rear engine seal.

But no one splits a tractor for $800 ANYMORE.

 

[arto98607]

"Splitting tractor" usually means separating engine from the transmission as far as I know?

Replacing rear axle seal should only require removing rear gear/axle & casing from the differential housing.

 

[CalG]

"Splitting tractor" usually means separating engine from the transmission as far as I know?

Replacing rear axle seal should only require removing rear gear/axle & casing from the differential housing.

Yes,
An early post mentioned "Rear main ENGINE seal". My post was in disagreement to that conjecture.

 

[Forest_Man]

I find it interesting when comparing older vs. newer tractor rear axle designs.
Below photo is an example of rear axle of 1986 Ford 1310 which has 19 hp engine.

There's been no need to repair it's rear axle yet - it's no wonder Ford sold their tractor business long time ago...



View attachment 1477448

That looks massive indeed! And yes, I can see it lasting a long time..

But every coin has two sides... I suspect it is a PIA repairing when needed...

 

[Forest_Man]

Just my 2 cents here but seals sometimes leak for a reason... I'd take a look at that bearing on that axle and see if it's going out. Cheaper than waiting for that seal to completely fail then find out the bearing and the axle are now bad. Talking from experience

Would this be something to be "checked only" or replaced when doing the seal? I've done both approaches with my machinery (trying preventive maintenance x only when it breaks) and I had misfortunes both ways. I learned that sometimes touching something that is working for the sake of preventive maintenance is not always the best idea...

Also, could this be checked with wheels mounted or need to remove the wheels to check for bearing play?

If I have room for another newbie (and perhaps stupid) question... how to raise the rear end of this tractor? I have a 2-ton car jack, that'd be my first try...

 

[Forest_Man]

Maybe OP can jack up the rear axle "if there is a place to safely do it/ not just for the observer but the tractors housing as well.", and watch the axle shaft for any vertical movement in the housing.

Could you explain what you tried to say? Let me start by saying i never lifted/jacked my tractor.

From your comment it seems more serious and more involved than jacking a Mule or a car.

What would be a good way to do it? And what would be a terrible way of doing it?

And for checking the bearings, would I need to remove the wheel (i was told they are loaded) or just lift the rear end and check for play (like in a car).

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[CalG]

jacking a tractor is no more trouble than jacking a pickup truck. The weight is not much different (for smaller tractors)
Just remember, there is NO stability from the front axle unless you drive stop blocks into the pivot.

Read the effing manual!