What’s causing this drip?

HCJtractor · Jun 27, 2020

My Kubota M6800 has developed a drip in the front axle. There’s no Kubota mechanic nearby. And I have no mechanical skills or desire to learn. What’s your best guess on the cause? I assume this is gear oil, and I expect a bad seal. It almost looks like it’s coming out of the grease fitting. Any ideas or recommendations?

Fuddy1952 · Jun 27, 2020

I can't see the pictures but anything leaking clean the area and you should be able to see where it's coming from. Zerk fittings do fail and an easy fix.
I always wash my arm first so I know where to put the Bandaid!

Peter 315 · Jun 27, 2020

Re: What痴 causing this drip?

Looks like the input seal is leaking, Take the grease fitting out and see if gear oil comes out......

Dave M7040 · Jun 27, 2020

Re: What痴 causing this drip?

The front axle pivoting feature is provided by supporting the axle assembly by two hanger bearings. One also supports the front axle drive shaft.

The front axle differential case is lube by oil contained within the differential case by the seal I have marked in red.

The hanger bearings, while having seals, are lubed by grease and independent of the differential case.

Removing the grease fitting will reveal nothing of relevance to the differential leak.

Dave M7040

Oldpath05 · Jun 27, 2020

If under 1000 hour I'd try this in front end ATP AT-205 Re-Seal Stops Leaks I used it and had good luck. Amazon.com: ATP AT-25 Re-Seal Stops Leaks, 8 Ounce Bottle: Automotive

PILOON · Jun 27, 2020

Oh heck, a grain of sand that works its way under an oil seal can be the cause of many a minor leak.
I've never seen a work machine that does not have signs of minor leaks. (and gobs of grease here and there)
LOL, now U know why mechanics wear dark colored overalls.

mikester · Jun 28, 2020

Oldpath05 said:
If under 1000 hour I'd try this in front end ATP AT-205 Re-Seal Stops Leaks I used it and had good luck. Amazon.com: ATP AT-25 Re-Seal Stops Leaks, 8 Ounce Bottle: Automotive

Curbsider snake oil. Designed to hide problems, made to let you sell your vehicle quick on Craigslist.

Just wipe all the areas dry with a clean rag and wait for the leak to develop to identify the source. Right now it looks like the tractor was pressure washed and the loose grease was blown all around.

Oldpath05 · Jun 28, 2020

mikester said:
Curbsider snake oil. Designed to hide problems, made to let you sell your vehicle quick on Craigslist.

Just wipe all the areas dry with a clean rag and wait for the leak to develop to identify the source. Right now it looks like the tractor was pressure washed and the loose grease was blown all around.

Snake oil with almost a 5 star rating on Amazon, you have any idea how hard it is to get 5 stars on a product. I have used it on my front end outer knuckles 3 years ago and it's still working, if bearing are still tight the ATP AT-205 Re-Seal is a good choice, or if one likes to change seals every 300 hours that will work to.

ritschner · Jun 28, 2020

Before getting too concerned with the leak I would suggest removing the tie-down chain from the axle, clean the oil, and and work the tractor a little to see if it reappears. The front axle is not a good tie down point and will stress the seals and bearing. The axle being pulled forward like that may be the cause of your leak.

HCJtractor · Jun 28, 2020

ritschner said:
Before getting too concerned with the leak I would suggest removing the tie-down chain from the axle, clean the oil, and and work the tractor a little to see if it reappears. The front axle is not a good tie down point and will stress the seals and bearing. The axle being pulled forward like that may be the cause of your leak.

Interesting. Thanks for that advice. Never knew that. But makes sense.