L4400 Front axle case rebuild
Hello all. Last month, I replaced leaking oil seals on the front axle cases of my 2006 L4400DT 4x4. This past weekend, as I was using the tractor out on my hunting lease, the left front axle case slipped off when I raised the front wheels off the ground with the loader. (I was 1 1/2 miles out in the woods) Without getting into the gory details, I damaged the bevel gear case, oil seal, and possibly a couple bearings walking it backwards out of a trail and backwards up a trailer to get it home.
Upon breaking it all down and cleaning it up, the damages were not as bad as I originally had assumed, although still about $400 in parts according to TractorXchange.com pricing. (Great site) In case you do not know, there are 3 bearings, three c/e rings, and two shims in the front axle case setup along with a couple seals, shaft and gear. Upon ordering the parts, I discovered that there are several different thickness shims available that go in there. The original shim and bottom clip were destroyed (eaten into a thousand pieces by the bevel gear). I have no way of knowing what size it was. How do I determine what thickness to put in there upon reassembly? I've called all the local Kubota dealers and cannot get a straight answer from anyone. Some have suggested to purchase them all and use the one that is right. At $8 bucks each, I rather not do that of course.
I would appreciate input from anyone that has experience with replacing these parts. I am still dumbfounded as to why the clip failed. I assume that either the clip wasn't seated properly or it was somehow fatigued, but if anyone else has any suggestions I'd love to hear them. Thank you all for reading and have a good day!
Hello all. Last month, I replaced leaking oil seals on the front axle cases of my 2006 L4400DT 4x4. This past weekend, as I was using the tractor out on my hunting lease, the left front axle case slipped off when I raised the front wheels off the ground with the loader. (I was 1 1/2 miles out in the woods) Without getting into the gory details, I damaged the bevel gear case, oil seal, and possibly a couple bearings walking it backwards out of a trail and backwards up a trailer to get it home.
Upon breaking it all down and cleaning it up, the damages were not as bad as I originally had assumed, although still about $400 in parts according to TractorXchange.com pricing. (Great site) In case you do not know, there are 3 bearings, three c/e rings, and two shims in the front axle case setup along with a couple seals, shaft and gear. Upon ordering the parts, I discovered that there are several different thickness shims available that go in there. The original shim and bottom clip were destroyed (eaten into a thousand pieces by the bevel gear). I have no way of knowing what size it was. How do I determine what thickness to put in there upon reassembly? I've called all the local Kubota dealers and cannot get a straight answer from anyone. Some have suggested to purchase them all and use the one that is right. At $8 bucks each, I rather not do that of course.
I would appreciate input from anyone that has experience with replacing these parts. I am still dumbfounded as to why the clip failed. I assume that either the clip wasn't seated properly or it was somehow fatigued, but if anyone else has any suggestions I'd love to hear them. Thank you all for reading and have a good day!
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