[gerry]

Has any one replaced the gasket on the differential of a 318 and how difficult was it? Mine is dripping oil, tightened all the bolts after cleaning the differential but still drips. Are special bearing pullers needed or other pullers? Thanks

 

[mikeduwe]

It all just comes apart with wrenches. But you need to pull the rearend out of the tractor to do it, takes about a day all said and done.

 

[gerry]

Does the rear end have to be completely removed or can I just work on the side with the gasket, like only pull off the 1 rear wheel? Does the axle come out or does that stay in the differential? Thanks for your help

 

[knottyrope]

I removed a rear end and took a few pics of the process, problem is that the axle tubes wont go past the frame unless you drop it down some. if you get to that point might as well drop it out all the way to work on a bench
http://www.wfmachines.com/discus/messages/335/394786.html

 

[gerry]

So in doing this process there are probably a few more gaskets and/or seals to replace?

 

[knottyrope]

I didn't get a leak from removing the axle tubes and swapping them over

you could get all the seals and do it while in there.

 

[jknight]

I just did my axle seals with the rear end in the tractor. I did one side complete then did the other.

 

[gerry]

I don't think I have that problem with axle seals leaking, but like Knottyrope says, while I'm in there do them all.

 

[coalminer16]

I learned the hard way on my diff/pump. I did the one seal and a time. Then I just bit the bullet and did them all. I don't mess around on any others. If it is out-they all get replaced. Not that expensive and you don't have to do it again for a LONG time if done right.

 

[mikeduwe]

Pretty sure it has to come all the way out, as you need to get the gasket around the gears and the only way to do that is to pull one half completely off. Once you unbolt the cast iron axle tubes the axle shafts pull right out, but in this case you wouldnt have to even remove those, just pull the case apart, install gasket and reinstall.

You could put new seals in everything, but you also take the chance of introducing another leak if you tear a seal or get it in crooked or whatever.

 

[gerry]

Mike when I look at TM1590 '318 repair manual' I see what you just described. But the manual shows removing the transmission to get to the differential, is that necessary? I'm understanding from everybody else to just remove the differential? Maybe I'm just confused. Gerry

 

[knottyrope]

When I did it, I just removed the 4 bolt from the transmission and dropped the whole rear end with the axle tubes attached.

 

[gerry]

KnottyRope, Is there a gasket or some kind of seal between the transmission & Differential, can't find one listed when I look at my repair manual. Also, when installing the new gasket on the differential, did you replace the flat thrust washers with the newer tabbed type? My manual talks about making this change. Thanks

 

[coalminer16]

There is a big oring. It only is in one of the two diagrams if I remember.

Doesn't hurt to change to the tabbed washers-but I don't think it is the end of the world if the bearings apear OK Unless you are planning a couple thousand more hours on it.

 

[gerry]

Thanks for your reply, Travis. Probably unless the o-ring is torn or broken, just freshen up maybe with a little silicone and should be good to re-install and bolt up tight. Makes sense about the washers.

 

[coalminer16]

Orings are cheap and your time having to pull apart again because of a nicked oring would make it seem like a bigger job. I try not to slicone items like the hydraulic areas because the extra that presses out can get buy things and clog or make things stick. I did use permatex gasket maker with is a very sticky tar type stuff on the two gaskets.

 

[gerry]

Thanks, I'll try just to replace it if I can get the number & it's available.

 

[gerry]

My mowing season is about over so I am about ready to replace the leaking differential gasket between the case and the cover on my 318. Have the new gasket and suction hose and been reviewing the procedure as shown in TM1590. Does anyone know after I have the transmission, differential, axles with wheels removed from the tractor, is it necessary to dissemble the brake drum and remove the axle from the cover or can I just remove the differential cover with the axle and drum still installed? Looks like it would save a lot of steps if I could. Thanks for any help and advice

 

[knottyrope]

look at this thread of when I removed the rear end and let us know what part you are questioning
http://www.wfmachines.com/discus/messages/335/394786.html

 

[gerry]

Thanks for your response KnottyRope. One of your pictures is labeled 'axle halves off'. From that picture it kind of looks like removing 5 or 6 bolts and the whole axle housing with axle and brake drum will come off the differential. I guess I am wanting to know if it is necessary to remove that axle housing, axle and brake drum on the left side just to replace the gasket between the differential case and cover. Just trying to eliminate steps and also not creating more problems with seals or etc. But with the weight of the axle housing and drum I might be putting a lot of stress on the differential cover when I remove the bolts. When you removed the axle halves were they easy to re-assemble. Were new seals or bearings required? In one of the pictures I can see the axle housings, axles, and brake drums all still assembled just removed from the differential in one piece. The only issue I am having is with the gasket leaking oil, everything else I think is fine. Gerry