Slow Leak At Front Axle, Really An Issue?

[oldebuttonwood]

My BX2230 leaks fluid at the front axle pivot. Seems to be a common problem. I use 80w-90 in it. It doesn't seem to drip too much, enough to coat that nearby bracket with a dirty film and maybe it drips a couple of drops onto the floor overnight. I check it often and top up well before it gets to the bottom mark on the dipstick. Do I need to change the seals. Am I risking major problems down the road? Or can I just continue adding fluid and monitoring it?

 

[ibnxe]

I wouldn't worry about it as long as you check the level often. The only time there is any real load on the gear train, of the front axle, is when you are in four wheel drive.

 

[jnjpream]

I hate to say it, but since it is a BX22xx there is a good chance the problem is more than a seal... The casting is weak on the BX22s and seems to be a cause of oil at that location. The seal at that joint is pretty beefy and it doesn't see much stress, so the seal might not be the cause.

Check out this thread: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/148940-needs-some-help-leak-front.html

Best case is it is just a seal and you can keep pouring oil into it. The worst case is the casting is cracked and you risk a catastrophic failure of the casting while under load causing damage to parts other than just the casting.

You should probably pull the hub off and inspect it to see if there is a crack in the casting and go from there. You can also split the hub and check from the inside if you want to be really sure. You can reinstall the hub once you figure out what parts to order if you can't deal with the down time (if you split it you will have to wait overnight for the gasket snot to set up).

 

[tagertim]

I just bought an 05 bx2230 and the axle fluid was low. After topping it off I noticed a similar leak from the axle pivot. I tightened the axle pivot nut with the weight off the front end and it no longer leaks.

Best of luck!

 

[rlsmith]

On my BX23 both of mine were leaking had seals replaced and that did not fix it, took back to dealer and they found they were both cracked, replaced and that was about 2 years ago. You should have it checked to be sure.