MF 35 axles: Help!

docric · Sunday at 10:05 PM

I finally found someone to replace the transmission seals on the MF 35. Now I have a new problem.

I had only one brake as one was slathered in fluid. Diagnosis was a faulty seal and the guy working on it said the inner and outer seals were failing and needed to be replaced. I understand that the collar, bearings, and race had to be removed to replace the outer seal. I found a machine shop to take it apart but the guy there said he would destroy the bearings getting it apart so had to replace it all. I bought all the parts and a dropped them off at the machine shop for removal and reassembly. When I got it back I could see the collar was not fully seated on one axle so took it to the mechanic. He says nope - not gonna work this way. Took it back to the machine shop and the guy said it would not go on any further and put it in a 20ton press to demonstrate this collar will not budge. Even I can see that there is way too much play in this axle assembly.

The mechanic guy lives in the woods without a phone, internet, or electricity. No way he can talk to the machine shop, and the machine shop says he cannot do any more. Any suggestions? I am posting pictures of both axles for comparison.

TIA for any input and advice!

TractorTech · Monday at 11:23 AM

What kind of machine shop is it? It looks like, but hard to tell, that the inner race from the original bearing is still on the shaft. The second picture, IMG_1212 is where I see the taper of the old race, but I can't magnify. It also would be about the same gap if it is there.

Those axles are not that hard to replace bearings on. Did the machinist heat the bearings and collar before putting on? If so, they drop into place with little or no resistance, providing the axle is clean from burrs. If he didn't heat them, then it is possible something cocked and now the press is just gouging into the shaft. IMG_1209 shows that the inner bearing is not seated in the race either.

docric · 2025-11-18T21:40:49-0500

The machine shop does mostly fabrication and repair on large hydraulics from the looks of the place. He acted like the job was no big deal. He did not heat the collar as he said it would destroy the new bearing (I asked as I thought that was the way it was done). He did say that he cut the old collar off.

Pictures 1212 and 1213 were taken to show the gap. I really do not think that the old race is still there as that would be a monumental mess up. I guess this side is going to have to be completely redone and this guy's not going to redo it. Do you have a suggestion on a type of machine shop that might be able to do this properly?

Harry in Ky · 2025-11-18T22:03:01-0500

I wouldn't have any suggestions on who would do that repair in your area. However, I DO suggest you get TWO new collars. If they didn't heat/install the bearings and collars, the other side would be suspect as well in my opinion. Installing the cold bearings with a press wouldn't scare me too much, but the collar is all that holds that bearing in place under load. The concept is pretty simple. Fit the bearing on as far as it will go. Heat the collar and quickly drop it on. When it hits the bearing and stops it instantly begins to cool and pretty much seizes to the shaft. At that point it won't move one way or the other. That's why they need to be cut off or drilled and split. If they were put on right they won't be pressed off effectively. If pressed ON, they won't be bonded to a trustworthy point.