BX23TLB Front Knuckle seal replacement?

[Tollster]

First time here so I am hoping ya'll can help me out with a job I would like to undertake.
I have exerted a lot of use on my BX this summer building a stone wall, estimated at 300,000 lbs of stone ( I think my body would tend to agree). very recently I have discovered the left front knuckle joint is leaking oil, rather profusely. I wish to replace the seal, and likely the other one, which is not dripping, but has a uniform layer of dust in the inside of the hub, appears as if oil is misting the hub itself, it could be from a breather though, but I have never identified one on the front axle.
I looked at the hub, and have the micro fish detail of the assembly. No shop manual though. Upon looking at the hub, I do not see how I would break the knuckle apart unless there is something behind the wheel.
I am hoping someone may be able to help me get started, and perhaps identify any special tools I may need?
Thank you,
Tollie (Benton, pa)

 

[Tollster]

Anyone here work on their orange thingy?

 

[GetaLoadofThat]

Hey,

I need to do this same repair on my BX25 (400 hrs), which is pretty much the same as your BX23. Did you ever find any help on here with this, hopefully someone with pictures?

Thanks in advance

 

[ipz2222]

I just ordered the seals today for my bx2230. If you have a Kubota dealer close , they can print you off the breakdownof the parts, will help you see how it comes out. In a nutshell,, drain fluid, wheel comes off, remve 6 bolts ( may be nuts) that hold the hub asseembly. This hub assy comes out, may take some work to break it loose, has silicone on it. rmve 4 bolts that hold nuckle to axle houseing. Rmve nuckle assy. From side where 4 bolts are, remv snap ring, spacer,bearing, gear, another gear and bearing. Back to the other knuckle where you remove the axle stub. remv snap ring, this looks like it may be difficult. Now the knuckles will seperate and you can finally get to the seal. I haven't done this yet, just looking at the pictures and diagrams, but I did stay in a Holiday Inn last week.

 

[Wbk]

First time here so I am hoping ya'll can help me out with a job I would like to undertake.
I have exerted a lot of use on my BX this summer building a stone wall, estimated at 300,000 lbs of stone ( I think my body would tend to agree). very recently I have discovered the left front knuckle joint is leaking oil, rather profusely. I wish to replace the seal, and likely the other one, which is not dripping, but has a uniform layer of dust in the inside of the hub, appears as if oil is misting the hub itself, it could be from a breather though, but I have never identified one on the front axle.
I looked at the hub, and have the micro fish detail of the assembly. No shop manual though. Upon looking at the hub, I do not see how I would break the knuckle apart unless there is something behind the wheel.
I am hoping someone may be able to help me get started, and perhaps identify any special tools I may need?
Thank you,
Tollie (Benton, pa)

Welcome to the site Tollie, I just picked mine up at the dealer for the same problem (warranty). I mentioned that we have a couple 2230's with the same problem, what he suggested we do after replacing the seal is to drill the dipstick to creat a vent. Drill down, then from the side and fill the top hole with silicone. Hope this helps Barry

 

[jb62901]

May have to jump ship for this. I had a drip two also, drilled the dip stick an wrapped some furnace filter around it an wire tied. No more leaking, think the build of heat while running it caused + pressure.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/295691-changing-front-axle-seals-bx.html

 

[Billdog350]

Tollie, you will need a REAL GOOD set of snap ring pliers to get that knuckle apart. Once you pull off the hub assembly (it is o-ringed on so might take a good amount of wiggling and prying with a screwdriver to get out) you will see the bottom of the knuckle and the snap ring that needs to come out. A 90deg set of REAL GOOD pliers will get it off in no time. I say REAL GOOD because anything from harbor freight or even sears will bend and break. I ended up with a $70 set of ones from Napa that are ratcheting and will allow you to keep the ring pried open to install and remove easily.

Be patient and take pictures while you disassemble. Besides removing and reinstalling the seal carefully and washing out the bearing for any dirt that fell down in it when you removed the seal, you should be good. Count on at least 3+ hrs to do it right. May take you less but you don't want to think this is a 30min job.