L1500DT front axle rebuild

[dingleberry]

I just picked up a new to me L1500DT for $1800 2 days ago. It was disclosed that there was an issue with a front bearing. I've torn down both front outer drive assemblies and I have ordered parts. I heard this was a Grey market tractor and parts were difficult to aquire, which I have found to be true.

I cannot seem to find a thread on the front 4wd axle for this, so I'd like to offer input and would also like any feedback or advise.

Attached first pic, notice the front tire.

 

[dingleberry]

So upon disassembling, the outer cover was broken where the bearing is retained. The inner bearing for the stub shaft was almost nonexistent. It was found there was an attempt at a repair and the weld did not take to the cast steel. It was also found that the thrust bearing was not there. Not damaged, just not there. Im thinking this is what supports the weight and without it, caused the other components added stress.
I have done digging using manual found here and kubota website. I have bearings on order, and will confirm fitment with part numbers upon arrival. If I need to weld the bearing seat I will, in meantime, is there somewhere I could find a replacement? The part is listed as discontinued on kubota website.

Another concern, the outer drive had gear oil per manual, but also had grease around bearings...
Most bearings having double seals...
I find this strange in a flooded gearbox to have some greased components...

The nut on the end of stub shift is toast. Rough measurements tell me it is either 20 or 22mm. I have a 22x1.5 ordered, will need to confirm fit.

 

[dingleberry]

Numbers off removed bearings:
6204RS
6205RS
6205RS
6207RS
These being sealed bearings.
Again, I belive this is incorrect in a flooded case.

Numbers off kubota website:
08101-06207 (bearing kubota)
08101-06205 (bearing ebay)
08101-06205 (bearing ebay)
08101-06204 (bearing ebay)
31220-22340 (nut ebay)
09500-35558 (seal ebay)
09500-25407 (seal ebay)
34150-11250 (thrust bearing Kubota)

I will confirm fitment upon arrival and update.

I still need to find the wipers for the steering knuckle. The rubber seal and the felt wiper.

 

[Russell King]

Yes it is a gray market tractor. See this thread for information on that and I believe there is a list that gives equivalent valid USA models.

Ultimate gray market must read

Want to have a Get Together with other orange owners... maybe have a regional wrenching weekend to assist each other with modifications, Fabrications or repairs etc... Then join a Regional Group. See http://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31393 START HERE!!!! to get a...

www.orangetractortalks.com

From memory yours will be similar to an L185. So those parts are interchangeable. Don’t tell the dealer it is a L1500 or he can’t deal with you.

There is a salvage yard in California that has many parts available, see below for information.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Someone had tried to repair it least once before.
That's some seriously slobbery welds.
Have you gotten a new / used case for it yet?

 

[dingleberry]

Someone had tried to repair it least once before.
That's some seriously slobbery welds.
Have you gotten a new / used case for it yet?

I have not. If I can find one reasonably priced I'll replace, if not I'll weld. I know welding cast can be tricky, but have done it a few times.

 

[Russell King]

I imagine that the greased bearings were put there because it was leaking so much fluid out of that case that normal bearings were failing rapidly.

If you can’t get a new case it might be worth thinking about machining the one you have out around that broken “hub” area and then shrinking in a new “hub” to possibly bolt together or to weld in place. That way you get a complete circle of new steel and good hoop strength.

Of course I have no idea if that is .06 or 1.6 inch thick wall on the cover.

Another couple of ideas would be to get a whole new cover machined to replace that whole part. Or machine something that bolts between that cover and the tractor to support the bearing. Probably have to machine some material off of the existing cover to keep it in the same spatial position.

Good luck finding one though!

 

[dingleberry]

I imagine that the greased bearings were put there because it was leaking so much fluid out of that case that normally bearings were failing rapidly.

If you can’t get a new case it might be worth thinking about machining the one you have out around that broken “hub” area and then shrinking in a new “hub” to possibly bolt together or to weld in place. That way you get a complete circle of new steel and good hoop strength.

Of course I have no idea if that is .06 or 1.6 inch thick wall on the cover.

Another couple of ideas would be to get a whole new cover machined to replace that whole part. Or machine something that bolts between that cover and the tractor to support the bearing. Probably have to machine something material off of the existing cover to keep it in the same spatial position.

Good luck finding one though!

If i cant locate a replacement i think ill go with my questionable welding skills and get it as snug a fit as i can. the cover is currently in the oven post heating. itll need some work to get where it needs to be but will work.

i believe when i install the new bearings i will remove the seals.