leaking front left front wheel hub can a weekend mechanic take this on

repete · Aug 14, 2022

Found this on the outer position of my L2550DT two weeks ago. I keep a bearing and seal in stock on my shelf for this as I found it to be a weak point. I used to trash them regularly when I had my wheels in the "wide" position thus putting all of the load on this outer bearing.

Down time of about two hours and then another 10 minutes to order the "shelf" parts.

Interesting, the balls of the bearing are in perfect shape and all in the races. I have no clue why the cage failed. Anyway, a slight leak led me to investigate and I am glad it only cost me a bearing and seal at about $50. Investigate every little leak.

JasperFrank · Aug 14, 2022

"I used to trash them regularly when I had my wheels in the "wide" position thus putting all of the load on this outer bearing." This is so true. I wonder if this is the reason tractor user manuals always say the front wheels should not be set wide if you are using a FEL. I have to set the wheels wide for the tractor to be usable on the terrian I work with.

repete · Aug 14, 2022

JasperFrank said:
"I used to trash them regularly when I had my wheels in the "wide" position thus putting all of the load on this outer bearing." This is so true. I wonder if this is the reason tractor user manuals always say the front wheels should not be set wide if you are using a FEL. I have to set the wheels wide for the tractor to be usable on the terrian I work with.

If you have a reason to do it then definitely set them to that position. I used to have to turn mine around to wide to get on and off my ramp trailer. I now have a tilt so they can stay narrow.
I too hate hillsides and even my gravel driveway causes me concerns ESPECIALLY with loads in the bucket if I forget to put it in 4WD. Just be ready to drop the load to the ground immediately....