B7610 Weeping Front Axle

[Timbee]

Hello everyone. I'm new to the site and thank you in advance for any help and guidance.

Left side (dipstick/fill side) of front axle of my b7610 is weeping a bit of fluid originating from the bevel gear case and gear case junction.

I removed the dipstick and there was some back pressure and sufficient fluid (obviously).

First, is this common and should I replace the seal(s) or wait? Second, is the front axle vented? And where? Could this be the result of turning at a very sharp angle in four wheel drive or infrequent use of it and the seals deteriorating? Or even pressure build-up in the front axle?
Thank you
Tim

 

[Tire Biter]

I have a B 7300 with what is probably the same basic axle, and I get the pressure build up also, and the leaking. That was till I changed the fluid to 90w gear oil. UDT is thinner and gets past the seals easier, and the pressure build up doesn't help. The axle doesn't appear to be vented. There are vents that you open when filling to drive out the air, but they should be closed for operating the tractor. I thought about adapting a vent line to one of these with a vent tube that terminates up in the engine bay to keep out water.

 

[kc8fbl]

I've got the same issue now too with my B7610. The fluid does look thin like the UDT. I'm thinking it may be time to switch over to the heavier oil.

 

[motorhead]

I have a B 7300 with what is probably the same basic axle, and I get the pressure build up also, and the leaking. That was till I changed the fluid to 90w gear oil. UDT is thinner and gets past the seals easier, and the pressure build up doesn't help. The axle doesn't appear to be vented. There are vents that you open when filling to drive out the air, but they should be closed for operating the tractor. I thought about adapting a vent line to one of these with a vent tube that terminates up in the engine bay to keep out water.

Venting the axle like you say sounds like a good idea. Use a one way vent like a 4WD truck uses. It allows pressure out but seals up on vacuum (as the axle cools).

 

[Timbee]

Ill try changing out the fluid to heavier 90w. I like the venting idea, maybe tap into the fill plug somehow?

Thanks for the feedback

 

[motorhead]

Just remember that if you do vent the axle that you run the vent tube up high to keep water out.

 

[Bulldog]

Might be worth checking with your dealer. They offer a vent as a option for the front axle on my L3000. Might do the same for the B series tractors. The same kit may fit all of them.