L3240HST Front axle seals

[Snarg]

Hello. I have an L3240HST with approx. 630 hours on the clock. Recently the front axle seals (probably not really what the seals are called, but it works for me have started leaking. I'll include a picture that shows the location of the seals.

I am cheap by nature and wish to replace the seals on my own. However, I do have a few questions before I attempt a project of this magnitude on my own.

1) Has anyone on this forum done this type of repair before?

2) What am I getting myself into? I have decent mechanical skills and am able to most repairs on my own, but I feel that something like, say, an engine rebuild would be beyond me.

3) Is there any special tools I *must* have or can I make something I already have work?

4) Both seals are leaking. I can understand one breaking down, but both at the same time...? Is this normal? I usually always have the tractor in 4WD. Could this have helped contribute to the problem?

Below is a picture if the area where the bad seal lives. I realize it is currently filthy dirty however I plan on power washing the area before I start.

 

[Stubbyie]

Participated in doing one side once. Got tired of lying under the thing working looking up and getting dripped on.

Got parts schemat and/or WSM. Seems like there is a snap-ring type clip at least on my older one. You can get one bearing set in upside down. Thread on here discusses that.

Problem not uncommon. No use keeping in 4-wd unless you have a reason. Tends to scrub the front tires faster in 4-wd.

I'm frugal to a fault but when both sides on another machine did same thing I let dealer do it.

Photo shows perhaps significant leak. Make CERTAIN you keep fluid in front end. No older than yours is I'd stay with SUDT; if older like mine gone to gear oil.

I'd appreciate photos as you go along to refresh my memory and file for possible future use. There will be a next time...

 

[Snarg]

Thanks for the reply. I just hope I am not biting off more then I can chew. It's going to be a few weeks until I begin the project.

You mentioned getting the schematics. Is there somewhere online where I can find them? What is a 'WSM'? Do you happen to know/remember how much it cost to have the dealer work on it?

I plan on taking *MANY* pictures during this project. I'll post the good ones for you

 

[BadAxeB]

Hello. I have an L3240HST with approx. 630 hours on the clock. Recently the front axle seals (probably not really what the seals are called, but it works for me have started leaking. I'll include a picture that shows the location of the seals. Those are "bevel gear seals"- available only from Kubota (about $50 each)

I am cheap by nature and wish to replace the seals on my own. However, I do have a few questions before I attempt a project of this magnitude on my own. -I am the same nature

1) Has anyone on this forum done this type of repair before? Yes about a month ago

2) What am I getting myself into? I have decent mechanical skills and am able to most repairs on my own, but I feel that something like, say, an engine rebuild would be beyond me. they are not not that hard to change

3) Is there any special tools I *must* have or can I make something I already have work? Make sure you have a GOOD set of snap ring pliers

4) Both seals are leaking. I can understand one breaking down, but both at the same time...? Is this normal? I usually always have the tractor in 4WD. Could this have helped contribute to the problem? Seems to be a common problem but they take a lot of abuse with FWD and FEL work

Below is a picture if the area where the bad seal lives. I realize it is currently filthy dirty however I plan on power washing the area before I start.

Changing mine took the better part of a Saturday afternoon and now it's as good new

Oh and ......

Welcome to OTT

 

[Bluegill]

I've had that apart on an older Kubota for the top bushings, not the seals. 1984 L3750 and seals are still good. Not very difficult to work on.

I only use 4wd when it's needed. Both mine are in 2wd 90% of the time.

 

[Bluegill]

Oh and it looks like yours has been leaking a long time. Thus the oily looking crud accumulated...

 

[Snarg]

Oh and it looks like yours has been leaking a long time. Thus the oily looking crud accumulated...

I have been putting off fixing it for a while now. I want to blame it on the blazing hot weather we have been having recently but, mostly, I am just lazy.

Checked the fluid level a little while ago. Big surprise, low. Added three quarts.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to call in some backup when it is time to tackle this. A friend of mine is far more mechanically inclined then I am.

Thank for all of the help and support so far. I'll keep this thread posted when I finally start to dig in.

 

[bosshogg]

I have been putting off fixing it for a while now. I want to blame it on the blazing hot weather we have been having recently but, mostly, I am just lazy.

Checked the fluid level a little while ago. Big surprise, low. Added three quarts.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to call in some backup when it is time to tackle this. A friend of mine is far more mechanically inclined then I am.

Thank for all of the help and support so far. I'll keep this thread posted when I finally start to dig in.

We might be brothers from a different mother!

 

[Breeze]

Do these seals "work" harder when in 4WD? I may be wrong but I don't think so.

The seal is between the bevel gear case and the axle case and any driven bevel gear/axle rotation is not in contact with the seal. That is the job of the bearings.

 

[avi8tor]

I'm with Breeze on this - it looks more like steering seals and not axle seals that are leaking. Vic can be of more help. I run my kubota in 4 wheel drive a lot due to some steep slopes and the need for 4 wheel braking. I keep check on all of the seals. These look like they have been leaking for a while. Failure could be from a number of things such a mud, dust, dirt or being cleaned with a spray cleaner or pressure washer that could have damaged the seals. The only thing certain is that they need to be replaced. Just my 2 cents worth. Good Luck on the repair.

 

[Breeze]

I run my kubota in 4 wheel drive a lot due to some steep slopes and the need for 4 wheel braking.

Spoken like a man with true steep slopes! You only goes skiing one time on a tractor seat to truly appreciate 4WD.

Traction on hills, or hospital bills.

 

[Bluegill]

Do these seals "work" harder when in 4WD? I may be wrong but I don't think so.

The seal is between the bevel gear case and the axle case and any driven bevel gear/axle rotation is not in contact with the seal. That is the job of the bearings.

There is some binding and more stress on the front axle components when in 4wd. When in 2wd everything is just free wheeling. I wouldn't think this could effect the seals, but I really don't know.

I am all for using 4wd when needed though.

 

[avi8tor]

Spoken like a man with true steep slopes! You only goes skiing one time on a tractor seat to truly appreciate 4WD.

Traction on hills, or hospital bills.

I have slid down numerous steep slopes and it is not a fun ride. The 4wd helps with directional stability and breaking.

Snarg -keep us updated and lets us know what you end up doing and find out about the seals.