L3400 front axle noise

[jenrow33]

My 2007 Kubota L3400HST (1125 hours) just developed a squeak at the left front wheel. It squeaks in sync with tire rotations (once per rotation). I see no fluid so I assume this isn’t seal related but wondering if it’s a bearing going bad. I use the loader regularly but never abused or overloaded it terribly.

Question is, has anyone rebuilt the front axle of a L3400 and if so, how difficult is this job? I’m pretty handy and thinking of just getting into it and doing the seals and whatever bearings look or feel bad. Thoughts?

 

[Peter 315]

Are the lug nuts tight....

 

[jenrow33]

Yes, checked the basics, lugs are right, there’s nothing wound around the wheel/axle, it’s clean-no dirt or debris. I’m thinking one of the bearings but it’s a dry squeak which doesn’t make sense for a bearing because they should be submersed in fluid if I understand the diagram right.... If I can figure out how, I will post a video clip of the sound.

 

[old and tired]

....If I can figure out how, I will post a video clip of the sound.

Need to host it on YouTube and link it here....

 

[TMGT]

Did you look close at the wheel for any cracks?

 

[k0ua]

Check fluid level, and crack the bottom drain on that side and make sure fluid starts to run out. BUT, these wheel squeks always seem to be related to the wheels, Are the wheels width adjustable? Make sure EVERTHING is tight. Any chance it could be the axle pivot, never greased?

 

[k0ua]

Step 2: Jack up tractor front end, spin tire/wheel by hand. See if you can figure where noise is coming from. Remove wheel. Spin hub by hand. We ARE assuming the tractor is 4wd correct? If it is 2WD, when was the last time you greased the hub.

 

[jenrow33]

Tractor is 4x4. I’ll have a video posted to YouTube and a link in a few hours.

 

[MHarryE]

Your question really pertains to how difficult to rebuild. My failures were a L5740 but I believe not too different in design from your tractor. It’s not a difficult job. My failures were noticing oil leaking onto the wheel. Raised the front using the loader and found wheel wobbled. Checked this site and learned it is a common issue if loader is used for extensive load and carry, which was the case for me. First you would want to make sure this is your problem but if it it is, it’s not difficult to repair yourself. My dealer, however, told me that one customer who uses his a lot for carrying large hay bales pops the unit off and brings to the dealer to rebuild.

 

[jenrow33]

So I have an update, went to remove the wheel lugs and one broke. Assume loose lugs or having one loose or cracked could be the issue. New lugs on order. Removed wheel and inspected the hub thoroughly and there doesn’t seem to be anything loose or leaking in any way. No squeaks with wheel off! Gonna try new lugs torqued to spec and see if that works. Thanks for all the input.