3550 Axle seals

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member
I need to replace the axle seals on my backhoe. I did a few searches and didn't come up with anything. How difficult are these to do for those who have taken the challenge.

Thanks,

Joe
 
They require a modest amount of work... the axle housings must be removed, the brakes gutted out and the outer axle shafts removed. You then need a fairly large bearing separator and puller to haul the bearings off the shafts. There's nothing that require a whole lot of tooling other than the separator. It's just bull work. Remember to pull the axle housing straight out until they clear the sun shafts... and keep in mind that the differential is in the left side housing and will probably land on your feet when you remove the housing... so be careful of that.

Rod
 
Joe,
I did mine on my 3500, it is hard work but not complicated. the bearings are where the work is. I pulled the first side out and brought the shaft/hub assembly with the new bearing and outer seal to my machine shop. they pulled the old one and pressed the new one on with the outer seal for $100, including the large socket they had to cut to get the axle nut off. I pretty much had to stand there and tell them what to do(not ford tractor mechanics).
they gave me the socket.

I went home and did the other myself. I laid the rear tire on the ground and stood the hub/shaft assembly up on the rim. put 2 nuts on the backside to hold it for me. chained the tire to the front end loader so it wouldn't spin. slide socket over shaft, pipe wrench around socket with a 3 foot cheater pipe. after the nut comes off. I took the assembly off the rim, pounded the shaft up/down on a 2x6 until the hub knocked the old bearing off(watch your toes when it breaks loose). replace the outer seal, remount shaft/hub assembly to rim on ground. I reseated the new bearing(don't forget to pack) using the nut. I put paper towels in the crack next to the bearing to keep trash from falling in when turning/tightening. the inner seal is a 2 minute job before reinstalling the shaft. check end play, etc, etc.

pulled 3 muscles and broke one pipe wrench, but got it done.
 
As best I can recall the 3550 uses the 4000's double reduction planetary axle, not the single reduction unit you're familiar with. It's an entirely different procedure to change the seals...

Rod
 
Rod is right. 3500 uses same rear axle design as the 2000/3000 ag models, while the 3550 uses the double reduction rear axle design from the 3 cylinder 4000 series.
 
Joe,
sorry i mistyped, just noticed the 50 behind the 35... reading too fast at work.
thanks for pointing that out Rod, I'd hate to pass bad info. on.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top