M5700 Hub / "Front Axle Case" Seal Question

[bronccat]

Replacing the seal between the gear case and bevel gear case.

I have everything apart both sides and I have a few questions.

The rim on the bevel gear case is a bit rusty from the leaky seal. Is it safe to sand it down a bit or will I risk losing seal? Same for the bottom of the gear case where the cap goes (no seal but worried about cap leaking)

The boots on the steering arms and ball joints are shot. Are these worth replacing or is it a nightmare?

TIA

 

[SidecarFlip]

Not sure how hard the boots are to replace but I would not use sandpaper on the sealing lips. Instead I'd use fine scotchbright (think that is green) with some clean, new motor oil to remove the rust.

Mine have never leaked (M9-105X) which are basically the same, just larger but I've always kept the seal area well greased. Far as the boots go, mine are over 10 years old with no issues.

I do know the housing seals rely on grease to stay sealed. Why you have a zerk fitting on the top.

 

[bronccat]

Sounds like a plan, I was going to use emery cloth but SB sounds better.

The inner boots look easy, the ball joint boots look impossible - but I probably haven't looked close enough

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Use a scotch brite not sand paper.

The boots are easy to change!

 

[SidecarFlip]

Use a scotch brite not sand paper.

The boots are easy to change!

Good grief, for once we agree...lol Scotchbrite and a bit of clean motor oil.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Good grief, for once we agree...lol Scotchbrite and a bit of clean motor oil.

NO ATF... HEHEHE

And FYI:
White is the finest then brown, gray then green.

 

[SidecarFlip]

NO ATF... HEHEHE

I always liked Kubota's blurb on the front ends (at least on my units), "front outboards are hermetically sealed" Translation, the seal seals the outboards with the help of regular application of chassis grease. Mine slobber constantly.

 

[SidecarFlip]

NO ATF... HEHEHE

And FYI:
White is the finest then brown, gray then green.

Never used white. always green and brown. I use that stuff for everything. Buy it in bulk packs from MSC. Sandpaper and emery, crocus cloth has it's place, just not in this application.

 

[bronccat]

Informative AND entertaining

Thanks guys.

Any cheaper place to get those damn boots?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Informative AND entertaining

Thanks guys.

Any cheaper place to get those damn boots?

If you want to spend the time to cross them over you might find some generic ones that will fit.