L3130 Front Axle Leak

[dangier_VA]

I noticed an oil leak on the RF wheel this week while using my 3130 moving logs (might of overloaded it with the LA723 loader). I bought the tractor new and tend to push it when working it (isn't that what it's for?). It has 560 hours on the clock. For those that have replaced the front axle case seal already, I have a few questions. The bottom cap (plug) looks like it is just a tin cap with o-rings. Does it just pry out and get replaced or can it be reused? It doesn't appear to have threads or a means to unscrew. I plan to check the spindle bearings and replace if needed while I am in there. With the bearings immersed in oil, is it likely they are worn at 560 hours? I do have the Kubota exploded diagram and parts list. Also know about keeping the shims in the right place.
Thanks in advance.
David

 

[dangier_VA]

Wow! 145 reads and no response. With the number of L3130's out there would be some feedback (other than the couple of threads that are 2-4 years old). I guess I am the only one with a current problem with the front axle seals... Looks like I am going to have to wing it. One can bet that when I do fix it, I will post the information for everyone to use.
David

 

[intel]

On my kioti DK 45 that bottom cap has a big snap ring and then it is pried out. If you are careful you can reuse with a little silicon, but if it is not to much you could replace it. When my right front started leaking it was the floating seal that was crack.

 

[rbargeron]

Hi David

Here's one recent thread about L-series front axle leaks. It has links to others with more info.

The front axle and gear cases are nearly identical over a wide range of L-series machines starting with the Grand L's of the '90s and continuing thru the L--30's and even the L35 TLB. Kubota redesigned the seals and I think the incidence of failure is much lower now - I'm guessing the reason there aren't many responses to you post is that L--30s are not experiencing leaks as often as the earlier tractors. Also, even though it's a repair situation, it is a Kubota-specific issue so it's more likely to appear under "Kubota Owning & Operating" -

 

[dangier_VA]

Many thanks to rbargeron for the technical information. The leak is minor at this point and I check it and refill when used. Current issue is the L225 (main lawn mower) has destroyed a water pump bearing and needs to be rebuilt. Got it before the fan contacted the radiator. Parts on order from Messicks.
David

 

[slowzuki]

The seals likely weren't damaged from overloading, likely some dirt or twine/wire got in there and tore it up.

It is unlikely the bearings are bad, unless you got water in the spot where the seal leaks. Do you operate the tractor in deep water?

 

[dangier_VA]

Tractor has not been in water high enough to come close to the seal area. Any permanent high water in my area has soft bottom and likely would cover the tractor if it should get in. Try my best not to get close. Makes sense about dirt or grit getting in the seal. I did notice the leak when I was carrying pine logs on the front forks. May have already been there. Have not ordered the seal parts yet (OBE).
David

 

[randy Wright]

Kubota L4330 Well guess what? I just blew a seal as well.... maybe its the age of the units? about 500 hours on unit.
I operate in mud wet conditions and woods clearing (rough on unit).

I noticed a leak on inside of wheel front left. I was pushing some brush away and it started clunking badly before I could get it back to the shed. I nursed it in... hope I didnt' ruin more stuff!. Have no clue have not taken off the wheel yet. Came here for info. Still haven't searched completely but will post this incase someone can fill me on on this repair! or where someone has already explained it.

Thanks
Randy in Oviedo

 

[dangier_VA]

Randy,
I have been nursing my LF axle leak for the moment (not too bad), and checking the fluid every week or so. Do a search on Front Axle leak and you should find some information. Klunking? New one on me. Is it in the front axle area? Let us know how it turns out.

 

[TODD G]

This is a common leak under heavy use situations, the best thing to do is keep in 2 whell drive as much as possible, that will take the stress off the front end. And the bottom cap just prys out and will need to be replaced, most kubota dealers will have all the parts in stock, if your local dealer doesn't you can contact me at parts@parsonstractor.com for parts or any other info

 

[Farmerford]

Todd G:

You are the first (I think) to suggest that use of front wheel drive puts stress on the front axle assembly and causes the seals to leak. I have three Kubotas (B2400, L2900, and Grand L4330) and am learning all I can to avoid this problem. One thing that I have never understood clearly is which seals are affected: the seals around the axle shaft that carries the hub that the wheel bolts to, or the seals between the two castings where the parts swivel to allow steering.

Are you referring to the stress when the front axle is pulling because the rear wheels are slipping or is there another kind of stress?

I would have thought the stress from a heavy load on the FEL would be greater than from front wheel drive, but I have not studied the front axle design to do more than guess.

Thanks for your advice.

 

[dfkrug]

One thing that I have never understood clearly is which seals are affected: the seals around the axle shaft that carries the hub that the wheel bolts to, or the seals between the two castings where the parts swivel to allow steering.

Are you referring to the stress when the front axle is pulling because the rear wheels are slipping or is there another kind of stress?

I would have thought the stress from a heavy load on the FEL would be greater than from front wheel drive, but I have not studied the front axle design to do more than guess.

I call the first seal the hub seal, and the second one, the kingpin seal.

I just completed the replacement of both seals (and one bearing) on my
JD 4300, and I was amazed at how robust it is. More robust than the last
L-series Kubota I did, that's for sure. Also, the L2550DT I did did NOT
require removal of the king pin cap at all. Easy. The JD 4300 was quite
difficult, actually. I am very interested in how the Lxx30 axle is built inside.
I hope one of you guys with leaks will post some pix here. I came sooo
close to buying an L3130 new back 5 y ago.

As for how they fail, driving in mud past the hub or axle is very bad, IMO.
Also, earlier kingpin seals did not have the mud-excluder steel rings that
the newer tractors seem to have. I also found that if you park your
tractor overnight with little or no weight on the front axles, you can make
the kingpin seals leak. Found that out the hard way, by leaving tractors
on jackstands, or parking tractors with FEL down, and backhoe up in the
air. Of course, as soon as you break a gear in the axle, you will distort the
seal, and get a leak. 3RRL posted a good thread on this for his Kama. You
will also get a seal to distort if a bearing gets sloppy.