Kubota L3130 : Gear damaged. Can I still use it?

[hendr1x]

Hello everyone,
I tore down both front knuckles on my Kubota L3130 (2k hours). Both front bearings were shot. I was amazed how little damage there was. The bottom bevel gear (TD030-13200) sustained almost all the damage. Do you mind taking a look at the picture and telling me what you think? The damage is not very deep and its almost all is on the two teeth you can see. Another two teeth have maybe 25% of what these two teeth have and the rest are perfect.

Also, if you think I should change it, do I have to change the mating gear as well? That one is $350 bucks and I really don't have extra cash around for this so please tell me if its 100% necessary.

Thanks.

 

[hendr1x]

Is there a heavy duty bearing people recommend for this location? I know it takes a lot of force.

 

[Midniteoyl]

edit: brain fart

What does the mating gear teeth look like?

 

[jonsstihl]

in an ideal world you would replace both because if one gear is that bad the other will not be far behind. but for a tractor front axle application I would probably not be too worried reusing it if it looks good.

I don't think you can install that bevel gear the other way around to wear out the other side of the teeth.

 

[jonsstihl]

Just to clarify my recommendation

definitely replace the small bevel gear in the picture maybe reuse the mating gear depending on what it looks like.

what you see on that second tooth is spalling and will only get worst with time. with 2k hours I think you did good.

 

[5030]

in an ideal world you would replace both because if one gear is that bad the other will not be far behind. but for a tractor front axle application I would probably not be too worried reusing it if it looks good.

I don't think you can install that bevel gear the other way around to wear out the other side of the teeth.

One way only and I'd replace both gears. All you do by replacing one is buy a little time, nothing more. Bite the bullet and do both. Interesting how they wore. I have 6000 hours on one of my Kubota's and had the front left seal replaced by my dealer last year and there was NO wear on the gears at all but then I make sure my axle is always topped off and I use 90 weight GL5 gear oil in the front differential.

 

[Midniteoyl]

I don't think you can install that bevel gear the other way around to wear out the other side of the teeth.

edit: brain fart

 

[5030]

Not flipped, but oriented (spun?) so the top is now at the bottom. I'm hoping the gear only has splines and not a key so can be oriented in any position, but maybe not.

It still rotates so no matter which wan it's installed, it will at some point, bear on the damaged teeth.

 

[Midniteoyl]

It still rotates so no matter which wan it's installed, it will at some point, bear on the damaged teeth.

edit: brain fart

I agree that he should replace them (especially while in there already)

 

[Williy]

Is there a possibility of welding to bring the teeth
up to par? I would try a welding shop to see what
they have to say. Cheaper than new gears????
.
willy

 

[5030]

Is there a possibility of welding to bring the teeth
up to par? I would try a welding shop to see what
they have to say. Cheaper than new gears????
.
willy

I doubt it. Not only would they have to be built up but they would have to be re machined (profile milled) and then heat treated.

Most time, trying to cheap out costs more in the end than doing it right.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Is there a possibility of welding to bring the teeth
up to par? I would try a welding shop to see what
they have to say. Cheaper than new gears????
.
willy

Pretty sure those are surface hardened.

 

[5030]

The gears are heat treated and stress relieved.

 

[hendr1x]

Yeah, it only goes in one way. The mating gear is basically perfect, there is one little nick on it but its about 1mm by 1mm and only goes deep about .25mm or something like that. I just don't know if they "wear" together as they get used.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I'm betting IF you don't replace them both, you will be back in there, and it probably will cost you more the next time.

SR

 

[RickB]

I'm betting IF you don't replace them both, you will be back in there, and it probably will cost you more the next time.

SR

Like grenading a housing.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Yeah, it only goes in one way. The mating gear is basically perfect, there is one little nick on it but its about 1mm by 1mm and only goes deep about .25mm or something like that. I just don't know if they "wear" together as they get used.

OP, I brain farted and thought this gear was somewhere else when I replied (Smacked me in the back of the head as I was riding mine, doh!).

Disregard and as the other's said, please change the gears out. And yes, gears like that should be replaced as a set.

 

[hendr1x]

500 bucks for two gears...off to bad start with team orange. I haven't added up the cost of the new seals and bearings yet Attached are the photos, if someone doesn't mind looking at them. This shows the only teeth that had damage. Still think its worth 350 to change? No place sells parts for cheaper?

I like the idea of "fixing it right" but I'm honestly even more reluctant to pay out the money since, based on my readings, the bearings is probably just going to explode again and destroy all the new parts I put in there.

 

[somanytractors]

Is there a possibility of welding to bring the teeth
up to par? I would try a welding shop to see what
they have to say. Cheaper than new gears????
.
willy

Those type gears are usually hardened steel. You can't weld on them. If you do it will weaken them and they will go out really fast, like withing minutes of use.

 

[4570Man]

Either change all the gears or slap it back together and hope for the best. BTW those are expensive parts. No manufacturer is going to be cheap for them.