Help with B7100 front 4x4 axle

[nave.lb]

I have an early B7100-D with ball and socket type steer knuckles. The front axle is the only thing i havent been through and I decided to grease it after i got done using the tractor last night. It started purging old grease out of the knuckle so i decided to keep going until it came out clean grease. Then i saw a drip from the front differential area. At first i thought it had cracked the case but after looking closer it is pushing oil from the center pin somewhere. I hope that I didnt do any permanent damage. Did i screw up? Pictures are attached. It was cold and dark so hopefully they allow everyone to see whats is happening.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

How much grease did you pump into it?

The front diff is supposed to be filled with Oil not grease.
You've managed to pump grease past the seals and into the housing.

My suggestion, pull it all apart and clean all the grease out of it, get new seals and check everything while your in there.

 

[nave.lb]

How much grease did you pump into it?

The front diff is supposed to be filled with Oil not grease.
You've managed to pump grease past the seals and into the housing.

My suggestion, pull it all apart and clean all the grease out of it, get new seals and check everything while your in there.

Thats what I thought. A good amount. I was pumping grease into the zerk on the steering arm knuckle and it was pushing some nasty old grease out from the dust seal. So i figured i would flush it out. Apparently out from the deal seal wasn't the only place it was being pushed. The front axle is the only thing i havent been through on the tractor. There was also what looked like rusty water coming out with the oil. Im wondering if there was some water in the front case.

 

[Lil Foot]

Here's a thread that may help with pics & such when you tear it down:

B7100 axle problem

I think I found out why my left front wheel locked up.

www.orangetractortalks.com

 

[JohnDB]

Not at all familiar with your tractor model, but happy to contribute these if useful. These may have errors so if in doubt go with what the members say.
(Don't know what's up with the weird placing of the photos vs text)

 

[dlsmith]

In my years of experience, if I had a pin that gave me trouble taking grease, as long as it wasn't the zerk, unless I took it out and cleaned the passages, just forcing it to take grease meant you were going to have trouble with it taking grease again in the future. Do it right and be done with it.

 

[nave.lb]

Here's a thread that may help with pics & such when you tear it down:

B7100 axle problem

I think I found out why my left front wheel locked up.

www.orangetractortalks.com

Thank you. I appreciate it. The front axle is the only thing I have not been through on this one. So i guess its not all bad. Im wondering if i can put the front axle from one of my hydrostats under it while i wait for parts and go through everything? I have an extra in the shop.... I would guess the front drive shafts are different lengths and/or the back of the diff does not sit in the same location to work with this front shaft.

 

[nave.lb]

In my years of experience, if I had a pin that gave me trouble taking grease, as long as it wasn't the zerk, unless I took it out and cleaned the passages, just forcing it to take grease meant you were going to have trouble with it taking grease again in the future. Do it right and be done with it.

Ya i wasn't thinking. And these zerks sure took grease. I guess I am used to pumping grease in a zerk and purging out the old and was thinking thats what i would do here. but those knuckles and king pins are a little different in that respect .

 

[nave.lb]

Not at all familiar with your tractor model, but happy to contribute these if useful. These may have errors so if in doubt View attachment 167934 View attachment 167935 View attachment 167936 View attachment 167937 View attachment 167938 View attachment 167939 View attachment 167940 go with what the members say.
(Don't know what's up with the weird placing of the photos vs text)

Those are great. What i was going off of are not nearly as clear or detailed. Thank you.

 

[Lil Foot]

One thing I would recommend- the seals for that ball end include a felt seal, replace it with new, and saturate it with oil before installation.
I use 85-140w gear oil.
If you don't, the felt will collect & trap water and cause rust to form.
(speaking from lots of experience with various off road axles & one B7100 axle)

 

[nave.lb]

Is there any reason I can't drive it up to the shop as long as it stays out of 4X4? I don't foresee it causing a problem but idk for sure.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Is there any reason I can't drive it up to the shop as long as it stays out of 4X4? I don't foresee it causing a problem but idk for sure.

In or out of 4wd doesn't matter, all of the front axle parts turn regardless.

You can move it, it's just full of grease.
Not going to hurt anything short term.