Leaking At Front Wheel Bearing

Smokeydog · Feb 20, 2021

Suspect seal failure from bearing damage to be from bearings being overloaded or lack of lubrication. Changing front axle oil to a good synthetic gear oil and changing every 400 hrs may help. Was somewhat surprised how dark the original UDT front axle oil was at 400hrs in the B26. Black from the M59 at 1100hours.

While heavy loads do stress the bearings, the operator’s actions of FEL control, speed and steering can impart huge dynamic loads to the front bearings. Can tell a dramatic difference from installing a hydraulic soft ride system on the M59. Got to help ease the shock stress on all pins, bushings and bearings during loader work. Improves operator comfort and load control. Think the option is becoming more available on smaller tractor loaders. It would be a must have if I were buying new. Heavy loader work is normal for us.

Got a surplus hydraulic accumulator(s) to try on the B26. Still thinking on good ergonomic installation design.

bwmarine · Feb 23, 2021

Great! Tracking my seals and bearings... and they have been sitting at the Fed Ex hub in Memphis since last week. All it says is in transit and shipment is pending,. My 5460 I purchased off the lot in January is still waiting on a rear valve that they were suppose to have... which they told me it was the wrong part and they had to order it. So... no tractor, crap!

Username Taken · Feb 23, 2021

bwmarine said:
Great! Tracking my seals and bearings... and they have been sitting at the Fed Ex hub in Memphis since last week. All it says is in transit and shipment is pending,. My 5460 I purchased off the lot in January is still waiting on a rear valve that they were suppose to have... which they told me it was the wrong part and they had to order it. So... no tractor, crap!

I'd give them the benefit of the doubt and blame it on the weather.

bwmarine · Mar 1, 2021

Well after sitting in Memphis for 8 days the parts finally arrived. After taking it apart it looks the same as otherside when the bearing failed. Both times it was the outer bearing. Came apart pretty easy, bearings came out really easy. The seal on spindle I used channel locks to remove it. Tricky part was installing new seal without damaging it. I used the old bearing after cleaning it up as a driver to get it all the way on spindle. 2 hour project and most of the time was fiddling with the seal!