LS front axle seals leaking

sw99 · Feb 8, 2021

2014 LS G3038

The tractor is currently at the dealer getting 4 new axle seals. The first slow leak started a couple years ago and it only got worse. A few weeks ago, I went to use the tractor and found small puddles on the inside floor area of both front tires. I always check the fluid level and keep the axle topped off. I also regularly check the breather cap to make sure it's not plugged up. Is this a frequent problem on LS models or just an infrequent occurrence?

Thanks folks!

PCABE5 · Feb 8, 2021

What type of work do you do with your tractor and how is it configured for that task?

sw99 · Feb 8, 2021

Small farming duties that include mowing box blade work, auger for fencing. Something is always attached to the back. Nothing crazy out of the norm. The G3038 had the frontend loader that is always on. Thanks

Bluesteel · Feb 8, 2021

sw99 said:
2014 LS G3038

The tractor is currently at the dealer getting 4 new axle seals. The first slow leak started a couple years ago and it only got worse. A few weeks ago, I went to use the tractor and found small puddles on the inside floor area of both front tires. I always check the fluid level and keep the axle topped off. I also regularly check the breather cap to make sure it's not plugged up. Is this a frequent problem on LS models or just an infrequent occurrence?

Thanks folks!

I also have one front hub that is leaking. I lifted the tire off the ground and the bearing has play. I suspect the bearing failure started the leak. I've had both front hubs, bearings and seal replaced once under warranty several years ago. At the time they were both catastrophic failures happening at different times. When the weather gets better I'll load it up and take it to the dealer.

sw99 · Feb 9, 2021

They said the bearings are good it's just the seals on mine so far.

Texasmark · Feb 9, 2021

Not an LS but I abused a tractor once and started the front seals leaking. I also noticed that the wheel hub assembly was moving out and away from the axle. What I had done with my abuse was to break the front wheel bearing balls and once the bearing was no longer maintaining the proper dimension, the wheel shifted and that started the leak. A $650 parts and several days of my time to fix. Since then I have had more respect for that tractor and when I am going so fast over rough terrain that i can't stay in the seat, I slow down! Haven't had any problems since.

tomplum · Feb 9, 2021

My LS would leak out of the breather if it was at full on the dipstick. Half way down the safe zone- no issue. It stays there indefinitely.

TnAndy · Feb 9, 2021

Texasmark said:
Not an LS but I abused a tractor once and started the front seals leaking. I also noticed that the wheel hub assembly was moving out and away from the axle. What I had done with my abuse was to break the front wheel bearing balls and once the bearing was no longer maintaining the proper dimension, the wheel shifted and that started the leak. A $650 parts and several days of my time to fix. Since then I have had more respect for that tractor and when I am going so fast over rough terrain that i can't stay in the seat, I slow down! Haven't had any problems since.

Same with my Yanmar after about 9 years/1900hrs. Outer bearing holder ring failed, allowing wobble to eat the seal. $100 or so, in parts and a couple hours to fix....not a huge deal. Replaced both bearings while I was in there.

Diggin It · Feb 9, 2021

Mine are leaking too. Trying to work out transport to the dealer. If I knew it was just the seals and only the seals, I might try to do it myself. But I'm not really sure what all it happening.