L3940 Front Axle Leaks after driving through high grass

[poe34]

Hi guys, my Dad's L3940 had the axle seals replaced 2 years ago after he drove through high grass. This past weekend I drove through some high grass and today when Dad went to use the tractor, it is leaking again. I would like to attempt to repair this myself, but my google searches are coming up empty. Does anyone have any experience, or advice? Would be much appreciated!

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

You need the WSM, it has all the info to repair it.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Hi guys, my Dad's L3940 had the axle seals replaced 2 years ago after he drove through high grass. This past weekend I drove through some high grass and today when Dad went to use the tractor, it is leaking again. I would like to attempt to repair this myself, but my google searches are coming up empty. Does anyone have any experience, or advice? Would be much appreciated!

You have piqued my interest.

What sort of "high grass" is this?

I am just having a hard time picturing how driving a tractor, though grass, ruins it's axle seals, thats all.

 

[William1]

Sometimes.... grasses or similar (think reeds) will wrap around an axle and jam against a seal, forcing a leak. It 'might be possible' to remove a wheel and 'unwind' the debris and not need a seal or anything more other than topping off the axle with SUDT.
This happens with my chipper occasionally. Some quality time with the radio on peacefully digging at it with a dental pick.

 

[poe34]

We live in Ohio, so not sure what type of grass/weeds are causing this issue. When my Dad took it to the dealer the first time, I called BS and said there is NO way that could have been caused by driving a tractor through tall grass... well I used the tractor to drive through some tall grass and the next day the tire is covered in gear lube, so I guess it wasn't BS after all. My Dad always keeps the bucket low to knock down grass when he uses it, I feel bad that I caused the damage and was hoping I could avoid them needing to pay to have it trailered to the dealership for what was a pretty expensive repair last time.

This is just from the grass blades, not even from them getting wrapped around the axle!

 

[Mitjam]

We live in Ohio, so not sure what type of grass/weeds are causing this issue. When my Dad took it to the dealer the first time, I called BS and said there is NO way that could have been caused by driving a tractor through tall grass... well I used the tractor to drive through some tall grass and the next day the tire is covered in gear lube, so I guess it wasn't BS after all. My Dad always keeps the bucket low to knock down grass when he uses it, I feel bad that I caused the damage and was hoping I could avoid them needing to pay to have it trailered to the dealership for what was a pretty expensive repair last time.

This is just from the grass blades, not even from them getting wrapped around the axle!

I have a m6-111 the one bevel gear the seal is leaking only leaks when your moving/ steering. Phoned dealer they said sounds like overfilled bevel. Drained it, refilled it, ran it, checked it proper amount was in fill hole left it sit a week bone dry. Went to move tractor 300 yards oil dripping down on rim. Checked the proper kingpin adjustment everything on spec Figure that one out.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

We live in Ohio, so not sure what type of grass/weeds are causing this issue. When my Dad took it to the dealer the first time, I called BS and said there is NO way that could have been caused by driving a tractor through tall grass... well I used the tractor to drive through some tall grass and the next day the tire is covered in gear lube, so I guess it wasn't BS after all. My Dad always keeps the bucket low to knock down grass when he uses it, I feel bad that I caused the damage and was hoping I could avoid them needing to pay to have it trailered to the dealership for what was a pretty expensive repair last time.

This is just from the grass blades, not even from them getting wrapped around the axle!

I hope you can get it fixed.

I wish I could be of more help in regard to advising you on whether or not to try it yourself, but I have never done one.

Still it's just seems very strange to me, that "high grass" causes leaking axle seals on a tractor.

And it's even crazier that it is not from them getting wrapped around the axle.

You sound like a good guy for trying to make it right, I hope it works out well for you.

 

[poe34]

I hope you can get it fixed.

I wish I could be of more help in regard to advising you on whether or not to try it yourself, but I have never done one.

Still it's just seems very strange to me, that "high grass" causes leaking axle seals on a tractor.

And it's even crazier that it is not from them getting wrapped around the axle.

You sound like a good guy for trying to make it right, I hope it works out well for you.

Good guy... or girl Looks like special tools are needed, ugh. I plan to just keep an eye on the fluid level and wait until winter to get it in the shop.

 

[whitetiger]

Is this the front or rear axle seal?
What special tools are needed? I have replaced dozens of each and have not needed any special tools.