Leaky front axle seals; Big job or no?

[trmechapt]

Changed many of them on Ford CM 274 Commercial mowers at the airport where I work. It has been awhile since we have replaced them. You will need medium size snap ring pliers and maybe smaller ones I think. Not a hard job though. You are talking about the final drive? The pic you showed was the entire axle and not the final drive assy. But I think I know what you are talking about. I'm not sure what size axle the CM 274 used, but I think it is the same procedure. The picture does look a little different. I also replaced the bearings sometimes because it would get slack.
Gary

 

[BarnieTrk]

Thanks to everyone who provided input on this matter! :thumbsup::thumbsup:
Sounds like it is a job I could tackle....... but not until the ice leaves & it warms up - like in April...which will be here before I realize it.
Meanwhile, I will order up the seal kits from my local FORD/NH dealer.

Thanks again, Guys!
BarnieTrk :drink:

 

[djradz]

Replacing front axle hub and swivel seals on NH compacts isn't a big deal. I used to do them on site all the time when I was doing road service. A properly sized seal driver, or something that can be used as one is the only requirement other than common hand tools. The seals are cassette style, so are sensitive to damage during installation when compared to common lip seals.

Absolutely agree. Extreme care on reinstalling. Usually I use the old seal as the driver, but I am sure there are better methods. A hockey puck has proven really good too at dispersing the pounding very evenly and providing cushion.

 

[BarnieTrk]

I'm not sure which seal you think is leaking?? Take some pics of your tractor, pointing to the leak and then we'll figure it out.

I just finished putting seals in my 3910 front axle but it's built different than yours.

ovrszd,

Here is a better exploded illustration: Official New Holland Online Parts Store and Online Parts Catalog for New Holland and Ford Tractors.

I'm thinking it's the seal #12........

Does anyone know of a good Service Manual that walks through this repair?

Meanwhile I'm going to add some LUCAS Hub Oil ( Hub Oil ) to it to limp it through until I can make the repair....

BarnieTrk

 

[ovrszd]

Ooohhh, that does look a bit complicated. Doesn't look like it would take any specialty tools though. Would definitely help to have some written guidance. Not sure how to get that without buying an expensive manual.

 

[BarnieTrk]

UPDATE:

Well, earlier I thought the #12 seal was within the fluid cavity of the FINAL REDUCTION GEAR BOX, but apparently it is not... since when I removed the gear box fluid fill plug to add the HUB Oil, I discovered it was still full!

However, when I then checked the front differential cavity (as determined by the short dipstick on the LH side of the front axle housing) the dipstick didn't indicate any fluid on it. So, I added about a pint of the LUCAS HUB OIL to the front differential, and to my surprise, within a couple of minutes fluid started to drip out of / at the #12 seal.....it doesn't really change the need for the seal repair project, just a better understanding for what is the problem.

The weather around these parts is starting to warm up above freezing at night,,,, so this project will soon be tackled by me.

BarnieTrk

 

[RickB]

UPDATE:

Well, earlier I thought the #12 seal was within the fluid cavity of the FINAL REDUCTION GEAR BOX, but apparently it is not... since when I removed the gear box fluid fill plug to add the HUB Oil, I discovered it was still full!

However, when I then checked the front differential cavity (as determined by the short dipstick on the LH side of the front axle housing) the dipstick didn't indicate any fluid on it. So, I added about a pint of the LUCAS HUB OIL to the front differential, and to my surprise, within a couple of minutes fluid started to drip out of / at the #12 seal.....it doesn't really change the need for the seal repair project, just a better understanding for what is the problem.

The weather around these parts is starting to warm up above freezing at night,,,, so this project will soon be tackled by me.

BarnieTrk

What viscosity is the Lucas Hub Oil?

 

[BarnieTrk]

What viscosity is the Lucas Hub Oil?

The viscosity @ 100*C cSt, via the ASTM test: D-445, is typically 65.0 Per their Tech Data sheet; http://lucasoil.com/pdf/TDS_Lucas-Hub-Oil.pdf

Other info on HUB OIL: Hub Oil

Yeah, I realize that the HUB OIL is of a considerably much higher viscosity than fresh differential fluid, but I plan to use the tractor a few more hours around the yard before I do the required maintenance on the leaky seals...... so the HUB OIL is to only serve as a temporary, stop-gap band-aid in an effort to minimize damage to the gears within the effected parts of the front end....after the repair - I'll refill the front differential with DURATRAN: Our Products - DURATRAN

BarnieTrk

 

[Creamer]

Just replaced one in my 1710. Looking at the diagram it is very similar but not exact. no special tools and can be easily done. I went to my Hew Holland dealer and they copied two pages out of a manual for me that gave detailed instructions. It took me about an hour from start to finish.