Ugh, leaking front axle L3800

[gsganzer]

I noticed some wetness on the inside of my left front tire. I did some checking and it looks like I have a leaking seal. Fortunately, I have the shop manual, so repair shouldn't be difficult. It's just caught me at a bad time, with the holidays and moving. I might end up having to let the local Kubota shop fix it, due to my time constraints. Anyone make this repair already? How much time and effort will it take me?

 

[hslogger]

Wheel bearing or steering knuckle?

 

[Harry in Ky]

Holidays and moving? Not using the tractor much. Unless it's leaking a gallon a day, what's the hurry? Stuff a rag inside the wheel and wait for better days. A leaking seal isn't exactly life threatening. It won't hurt to jack up the culprit wheel and shake the tire a bit to make sure it isn't a deeper problem than a seal, then see what happens with the leak.

 

[CalG]

Look carefully at the seal. There may be grass or other stringy debris caught up in the seal interface. Clean that crap out!

It happened to me on a front axle. I was happy that the leackage stopped with no other attention but inspection and removal of foriegn material.

Of course, the stuff I pulled out was multiple 4 inch lengths of grass, but.......;-)

 

[gsganzer]

Holidays and moving? Not using the tractor much. Unless it's leaking a gallon a day, what's the hurry? Stuff a rag inside the wheel and wait for better days. A leaking seal isn't exactly life threatening. It won't hurt to jack up the culprit wheel and shake the tire a bit to make sure it isn't a deeper problem than a seal, then see what happens with the leak.

Actually, I'll be using it a fair amount to facilitate the move. I need it to load some implements, steel pipe, welding tables for my shop etc. Not a lot of hours, though, so I can deal with the leakage for now.

 

[ronjhall]

If you are still using UDT in front axle. Try changing to SAE 80 or SAE 90. They are options for front axle on my B2910. I think same oils are specked for your tractor.