Leaking front axle - risk damage?

[Tibbits]

I have an 2004 L3430 with under 200 hrs that has developed a slow leak in the front left axle. It only took a couple of ounces to top off the fluid after about a month of light use.

I intend to have it fixed, but now is a bad time. Could this leak cause a bigger problem if I wait to fix it? Based on what I've seen in posts about fixing it, it's a bit more than I should do myself. I'd like to get through a busy Spring before getting it to a dealer.

Thanks in advance.

 

[kuboman]

I have an 2004 L3430 with under 200 hrs that has developed a slow leak in the front left axle. It only took a couple of ounces to top off the fluid after about a month of light use.

I intend to have it fixed, but now is a bad time. Could this leak cause a bigger problem if I wait to fix it? Based on what I've seen in posts about fixing it, it's a bit more than I should do myself. I'd like to get through a busy Spring before getting it to a dealer.

Thanks in advance.

It will only cause a problem if you let the oil level get to low. If it is slow and you keep track use it until you have the time to fix.:thumbsup:

 

[Wacky]

Remember, oil leaks out, water can get in.

 

[crazyal]

There's a member here who has an older Kubota and had the bolts to the bevel gear loosen up. If I'm not mistaken he found out because the bolts damaged the seal and he noticed a leak. It's probably unlikely that you have the same problem but you may want to take care of it sooner than later for peace of mind.

 

[slowzuki]

L30 seal leak is common. Keep it topped up, don't do high speed road driving, change it asap as its easy to forget to check.

 

[art]

Early models you could used gear oil same as yours This is caused from dirt or even as small as a little as a piece of grass. They often do clean just as they sometimes get worse. It might get better or it might get worse. Keep it clean and pray but it might have been high pressure water that caused the problem.

 

[Tibbits]

Thanks for all the inputs. I think I'll watch the level closely and use it though the Spring. Unless it starts leaking more than a couple of ounces every 2 weeks. I did find a small bolt at the bottom of the axle that was a tad loose - probably had no effect but made me feel better to tighten it.

Does anyone have an estimate on what a dealer will charge to fix the leak? Should I have them replace all seals while they are at it? Anything else I should have the dealer do (it's a pain to get it to the dealer)?

 

[Tibbits]

Could I be lucky!? Fingers still crossed , but I think that loose bolt was causing the leak. not a drop in 2 days and the axle/hub is dry. whoooo hooooo!

 

[wdchyd]

Niiiiice....

 

[Tibbits]

or could have been trash working it's way out of the seal as someone mentioned. either way, I'm happy and hopefully a few dollars better off.

 

[johnk]

It was an unusually easy fix. I wouldn't mind a few of those easy fixes next time a problem shows up. Good job!!

 

[Wacky]

^^What he said!!

 

[art]

or could have been trash working it's way out of the seal as someone mentioned. either way, I'm happy and hopefully a few dollars better off.

High pressure water can push grass and dirt into seals, just the same it can work it's way in under the right conditions any way! For those that are lucky in might also come back out such as yours!!!

 

[Tibbits]

The best smell in the world...au de sod, with a touch of diesel. Still no signs of a leak in axle number 1!