Oil Leak

[cdadamson]

I'm new to the forum and restoring a '53 Cub that had been sitting for a few decades. My first tractor restore. After pressure washing off the dirt and debris, a leak from the right rear final drive brake opening started in earnest. Is it more likely coming from the final drive or the oil seal at the transmission? How complicated is a oil seal replacement project? Any tips or tricks?
I generally work on classic British sports cars so oil leaks are expected....

[Glen]

Hi,
The first thing you could do is check the transmission oil level. They commonly get water in them, from rain, or condensation inside the case. This can raise the oil level, then it will run out the seals, into where the brakes are.

The trans oil level plug is low on the left side of the trans, it should be filled only to there, the trans holds 3 1/2 pints of oil.
The filler plug is on top of the trans, to the rear of the shifter.
The drain plug is on the bottom, visible from under the platform.
The oil could probably use a change, if it hasn't been changed in years.

If the oil level is right, then the seals are probably wornout and need replacing.

Below is a post by Dale Finch showing how to remove a final drive, and repair the brake, and oil seal in the trans.

viewtopic.php?f=142&t=78436

The right side final drive is the same as the left side, except the right side has the longer upper shaft, to reach the trans.
The right side also has the seed plate drive, on the inner lower axle shaft, the left side does not have that.
It's more work to replace the seal in the trans case on the right side, you have to remove the seat post, battery box, loosen the platform, and remove the extension between the trans case and final drive.

There is also a seal in the final drive case that should be replaced if you remove the final drive, it is not shown in Dale's post.
There are 2 seals on the left side, and 2 seals on the right side, so a total of 4 seals on the 2 brake shafts.
Any or all of the seals can leak.

It is easier to buy new brake bands than replace the lining, it is your choice which you want to do. TM Tractor has new parts. The guys on here say they are good quality.

IH changed the style of brakes during 1953, at serial number 173601, so you should check your tractor serial number. You can see the difference in the brakes too. The final drive castings have bigger brake rod holes on the newer style brakes.
Below is a page from the Cub parts manual showing the 2 different styles of brakes.

http://www.farmallcub.info/manuals/cub_ ... 004-02.jpg

Below is a listing for the seals. You can see what they are there.

http://www.tmtractor.com/new/df/245fp.htm

http://www.tmtractor.com/new/df/044fp.htm

Below are pics from TM Tractor of the 2 different brakes, and seals in the final drives. Good luck.

[Jim Becker]

The axle extension tube that goes from the transmission housing to the right final drive should have a weep hole on the bottom at the transmission end. If that hole is open, leakage from the transmission should come out there. If it is plugged, leakage from the transmission can reach the weep hole at the final drive end of the tube. If the weep hole on the transmission end is open and oil is coming out the final drive end, the source is probably the final drive.

[Jim Becker]

It has been pointed out to me that there is no weep hole on the transmission end of the extension tube. I evidently invented it. So leakage from the transmission case seal will make it across to the area of the brakes before showing up externally.

My excuse is that I have been doing some minor work on a Super A lately. It does have the fabled weep hole!

My error.

[Slim140]

It has been pointed out to me that there is no weep hole on the transmission end of the extension tube. I evidently invented it. So leakage from the transmission case seal will make it across to the area of the brakes before showing up externally.

My excuse is that I have been doing some minor work on a Super A lately. It does have the fabled weep hole!

My error.

It’s a great invention Jim, even if it isn’t there

[staninlowerAL]

Could this be considered a modern upgrade? The Correct Police would stroke out!!!!!!

[cdadamson]

Thanks to all. I replaced the seals and all seems good now. Judging from the color of the oil that came out of the transmission, it was a good idea to fix it!