Rear axle oil leak L3400

[shadman]

Last weekend was the first real snow to blow in Muskoka. I noticed a few drops of oil on the inside of the rim of the left rear. It was -20c when I used the tractor, however I did give it 20 minutes to warm up. What am I possibly looking at here? I felt up to see where the source was and it seems to be at the seal or end of the casing where the axle starts toward the wheel. Not a lot of oil. Just a dozen drips or so. Is this a big job? I'm a newbie and will probably have to get a dealer to come pick it up if it get a lot worse. Any advice would be helpful.

Brad.

 

[MHarryE]

Drips in that area generally mean seal failure but also be caused by a bearing failure that resulted in the seal failure. Do you feel uncomfortable taking it apart? One thing you can do is monitor the leak until you have a convenient time to replace. If it is a bearing, however, it is major repair ASAP or very expensive major repair if it cuts loose.

 

[shadman]

Can anyone tell me if the rear axle is lubricated with the transmission/hydraulic fluid or is it separate gear oil? My manual is not with me now. It's up at the lake with the tractor.

 

[k0ua]

Can anyone tell me if the rear axle is lubricated with the transmission/hydraulic fluid or is it separate gear oil? My manual is not with me now. It's up at the lake with the tractor.

Yes, it is the same transmission fluid/rear differential fluid. The brake pads in there are bathed in this fluid also. Known as "wet brakes" Also all hydraulic functions like your FEL or remotes if you have any are in this common sump.

James K0UA