Cub 108 has rear axle oil leak - how to repair

[Dave_With_Cub108]

Cub Enthusiasts:

I have a Cub 108 and am trying to repair an oil leak in on the RH side of the rear axle. The Cub 108 serial number that I have is
2050043U 479325.

I have a leak in the seal on the rear axle and am looking for advice on how to replace the seal. Facing the rear of the tractor, the right hand side of the axle is leaking.

Looking at the parts diagram, I see the “seal-oil” as part number 921-0187. Would you recommend getting this AND the Bearing-Needle part number 941-0363 since it in proximity to the oil seal? What parts are typically involved in a rear axle oil leak?

I have not yet completely taken off the brake assembly to get to the C-type snap ring to slide the axle out of the housing. What types of tools would you recommend for replacing the oil seal and perhaps the needle bearing?

[TheSaturnV]

I just used a mallet and flat-blade screwdriver to knock the C-clips off. Be aware this method tends to shoot them up into the housing. I had already planned on replacing the gasket on the top cover, so I had plenty of access (as a bonus, putting in fresh fluid is so much easier.

Suggest doing both seals and both carrier gaskets.

[Tim.E]

I agree,I would replace both oil seals and also remove the axle housings ,carrier tubes, whatever you want to call them, as you will be surprised what nasty gook is hiding in there that won't come out unless you remove them. It doesn't make much sense to put in new oil (Hytran) and leave a pint or two of nasty oil in those housings to mix with your new clean oil.
As for the bearings,,,,,,,jack up the tractor and move the axle flange up and down and see if there is any movement. IMHO a little is okay, but not much. I guess you have to use your own judgement on this. I have replaced bushings on 100's but I have never replaced needle bearings on later tractors,so I don't now what it involves.

[Dave_With_Cub108]

Last night, I removed the brake assembly from the right side of the axle where it is leaking. I cleaned up the area but, somehow, I cannot see the "C" type snap ring.

Is the snap ring toward the brake disk end in the "bowl" shaped indentation?

Should the snap ring be obvious or is it closely integrated into the axle assembly?

Maybe it is missing. If so, should it be easy to slide the axle out of the housing?

I will take your advice about replacing both oil seals. I haven’t taken the left hand side brake assembly off yet. Maybe I will be able to see the snap ring on that side.

Also, I tried to move the axle flange up and down as Tim suggested and there is very limited movement. So, based on that, I think that the bearings are OK.

Thanks for your help!

[darkminion_17]

You have to remove the rear cover on the transmission to access the clips.
good time to download the manual from the tech section.

[TheSaturnV]

^^^^This.

Here's what you are removing. The clip in question resides near the spline end. Brian Miller's site Garden Tractor Pulling Tips has excellent info and photos.

So does OnlyCC's technical library.