L-Series Bevel Gear Seal Replacement Double Check

[swelebny]

Hello folks, I'm helping a buddy replace the bevel gear case seals on a very sweet four wheel drive L with only about 800 hours.

Removed the tie rod, bottom internal snap ring on gear case removed along with shaft and bearing, and external ring on the gear case also removed. At this point I was expecting the whole works to drop, but nuthin'.......

Couple of firm wacks on the front gear case, but no signs of any vertical movement at all. No rust or corrosion to be seen inside and the front gear case rotates freely on the bevel gear case. I'm reluctant to use a 'bigger hammer' until I check it out to see that there isn't something I don't see going on here. Any pointers?

Thanks!

Steve in Vermont

 

[rbargeron]

There's a thread here on front seal replacement that covers many L models - not sure if yours is included (which L is it?)

 

[swelebny]

Dick, thanks for the reply. I had actually found your thread(!) and referenced other drawings and parts schematics. The machine is an L2250, and all the drawings and diagrams I've seen look exactly like what I've found on the machine, up until the point where the gear housing doesn't fall off!

It could just be a case of not giving it a hard enough wack, but 'medium' knocks carefully applied to the thing didn't have it budge. The hefty inner and outer snap rings are removed, the thing rotates freely.... But I'm not inclined to apply force until I have some more data. Not sure what would hold the assembly up.

I could remove the entire unit, but if I understand the assembly and the procedure, I should have to remove the snap ring at the top of the case(?). This I believe is just holding the top bearing in place, but this is also where I 'spose I could have it wrong.....

Steve

 

[rbargeron]

Steve - There could be a raised edge around the snap ring groove - which you could either try to remove or probably just get a bigger hammer If the L2250 is the same, the snap ring above the lower gear is all that holds the hub assembly up there. I think on one side I might have used a flat bar at the top groove to start it moving down. The top seal can let water in - not enough to notice in the oil maybe but enough to rust the bearing to the bore? I can't think of anything you are missing. Good luck. Dick B

 

[repete]

First, hit nothing.

If it is like my 2550 there are three points of possible leakage from seals. Is it the large "O" ring seal of the bevel gear case, the seal where the wheel rotates when turning left or right, the seal at the end of the axle before it turns downward or finally the seal "plug" at the bottom?

I have had mine apart MANY times and never needed a hammer. There are, to the best of my recollection, two snap rings that retain the housing that comes downward.

If your front end is like that of my L2550DT, I can look it up in my manuals when I get home tomorrw. Gotta earn money at work today.

Gregg

 

[swelebny]

Thank you for the replies gentlemen. I'm swamped with work myself and don't see getting over to my buddies house before Sunday. So if anyone is inclined to look up the assembly in the manual I'd be much obliged.

The tractor is garaged and lives a better life than I do. But although there wasn't any visible rust, the gear oil was a little milky. I like the idea of a raised edge around the groove.... I've been very surprised there is zero vertical movement with both snap rings removed. None... I would have expected some vertical play... But there is none at all....

Appreciate the replies.

Steve