Axle leak and grease zerk

BigTone · Jul 17, 2013

Just noticed a leak in the rear axle at the cap end of the axle since changing the gear oil. I assume it needs a new gasket, felt, oil seal...how do I check the bearing to ensure proper operation? Also, the grease zerk on that axle is not excepting grease so I was going to replace it. that's why I ask about the bearing, im not sure how much grease its had in the recent past...if I replace the zerk may that eliminate the leak? thanks, anthony

David G · Jul 17, 2013

Pumping those full of grease may eliminate the leak, it takes a lot of grease to fill that.

M clunker · Jul 17, 2013

Just fixed both off mine this week my M has been leaking for 2 years finally got fed up pumping grease to it will not stop it . Easy fix remove the wheel and hub together with weights on then remove 4 bolt s holding seal plate . Mine still had a leather seal I it

DaninKansas · Jul 17, 2013

I learned the hard way on an old H that pumping them full of grease will blow the seal. I was about 12 and was greasing the mower and tractor and decided that the axle bearings on the tractor must need grease because I'd never seen them greased (dad did it about once a year I learned later). Pumped until grease came out around the axle shaft. By that evening the axles that had never leaked before had left a oily mess all down both sides of the transmission housing then got my tail ripped by my dad for doing something so stupid.

David G · Jul 17, 2013

I stand corrected.

BigTone · Jul 17, 2013

What about the bearing, how do you know if its good or not? Or should I just change it regardless?

D Slater · Jul 17, 2013

Also can push the shield out of the bearing on the inside.

D beatty · Jul 17, 2013

Just sold a 51 M that had been in family from 1964 till just last year. The axle bearings were greased twice a year till the grease just started to show on out side and never leaked oil. We did this to all our tractors that hard greaseable axle bearings.

CenTex Farmall · Jul 17, 2013

Put your handyman jack under the axle housing and lift just enough to take some pressure off. As it lifts the housing look for relative movement between the axle and the housing. If there's more than 1/16th" movement a new seal won't help. That's a lot of play though and usually a new seal will do the trick. National 417316

The grease on the outer bearing is to keep it lubed when the other wheel is down in the furrow. On flat ground with the oil level full the outer bearings will be in some oil. Most likely the bearing is ok. Just put in a new zerk and carry on.

Axle leak and grease zerk

BigTone

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David G

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M clunker

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DaninKansas

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David G

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BigTone

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D Slater

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D beatty

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CenTex Farmall

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