1992 Ford 3230 axle oil showing on wheel

[kgracey]

Hey all, I have a 1992 Ford 3230 tractor for brush hog work. Recently I noticed lots of oil coming out the left axle. What is involved with the repair? And should I do both sides while I’m at it?

thank you! I’m in Sonoma, California. Ken
View attachment 94003

 

[kgracey]

Is it a bearing, gasket, or both?

 

[Sean in PA]

The seal is leaking. The axle trumpet and shaft need to be removed from the rear axle center housing so that the axle can be disassembled far enough to replace the seal. Check the condition of the bearing while you're in there and replace it if it seems worn in the slightest. I believe that axle style needs to have a retaining collar split in order to get everything apart, and then you put the replacement collar in the freezer for a few hours before installing it so that it shrinks enough to get it on. Once it warms back up the only way to get it off is to split it.

 

[kgracey]

The seal is leaking. The axle trumpet and shaft need to be removed from the rear axle center housing so that the axle can be disassembled far enough to replace the seal. Check the condition of the bearing while you're in there and replace it if it seems worn in the slightest. I believe that axle style needs to have a retaining collar split in order to get everything apart, and then you put the replacement collar in the freezer for a few hours before installing it so that it shrinks enough to get it on. Once it warms back up the only way to get it off is to split it.

What would you estimate in time? Can I do this without heavy equipment?

 

[Sean in PA]

I'll let someone who has more experience with that repair answer those questions. I've never done it myself.

 

[kgracey]

How do I determine the parts I need for this? Thanks!

 

[m16ty]

How do I determine the parts I need for this? Thanks!

First thing you’re going to have to do is take it apart and see what all you need. At minimum you are going to need a seal and a few gaskets.
It’s going to require at least a jack, and probably an engine hoist or something to lift the axle housing. If you had a couple of strong guys you might could lift the axle housing by hand, but with a engine hoist you could be much more controlled when going back on.

Also, be careful with that tire and wheel, especially if it’s loaded. You can roll them around by hand fine, but can be very heavy and you don’t want to let it get too far out of balance and get on you

 

[Check Break]

The 3230 was a very popular vineyard tractor where you live. Many were sold by Lampson Tractor. The overview is this. You're going to have to drain the Center Housing and even with a leak, there could be close to ten gallons in there. If you want to save the fluid, you'll have to take a sterile approach to the removal. Draining the oil 2x is a reason to do both seals at one time. You will be removing the axle housing. It is easier to remove the tire, fender and sway bar first. Everything comes out of the axle except the ring gear. Take pictures and keep track of where the parts go. Your best bet is to buy a manual and study it before you do anything. You need to know torque values during reassembly. There's a couple of youtube videos out there as well. You will need the axle seal, RTV, brake rod seal and axle housing seal at a minimum. Not sure why she's leaking, but your bearing could be bad. After you remove the wheel, check the outer bearing for movement. When you've gutted the axle housing, you'll be wondering why the axle doesn't slide out. The seal is holding it in and you'll have to fight with it a bit to get her out. When reassembling, you apply a bead of RTV in the seal, outboard of the bonded gasket. This seal has to be staked down to the axle housing after the axle is installed. You'll notice the crimp around the seal during removal. You're going to need a hoist (cherry picker, A frame), forklift, or something similar to hold/lift the axle housing as you're going to have to rotate it vertical after you remove it. A bit much to handle without mechanical help. This will get your thought process started. If you have help and/or good mechanical lifting equipment, you can do the job in a day. The second side will go faster. For now, clean her up and figure out how much she's leaking. Looks like a lot, but it's not. A little oil attracts a lot of dirt. When your tire looks like your wheel, then you know you're losing oil.

 

[Destroked 450]

I would only replace the one leaking seal, it’s likely something got rapped around the axle and damaged that seal, that’s the same style axle that my 68 4000 has that still has it’s original axle seals
You’ll need a engine lift to remove the axle housing, the housing with its planetary drive, brakes and axle weight 400 lbs or more
Also on that axle when removing the left side the ring gear and carrier could come out with the axle so be prepared for that

 

[kgracey]

Hey guys! All input is very helpful so far. This is where we are - we can’t break loose that center bolt with impact tools. What input do you have at this step?

Appreciate all of it! Thank you. Ken

 

[Destroked 450]

You need some bigger impact tools, that bolt was originally torqued on at 440 lbs, maybe a little tighter if the lock didn’t line up