Front axle repair LS180

[urhstry]

I noticed when the front tires were off the ground, the tire assembly could be tilted inward and back with a clunking noise. Assuming this was the axles bearings or axle wear, i bought a complete axle assembly (axle, bearings, seals, all complete) to put on. In looking at it, I would take the 8 nuts off and the unit should come out and i can just stick the new one in. Its never that easy. What am I missing or what else would I have to do? How does the sprocket attach and what kind of project am I getting into? Scott

 

[deaop06]

The castle nut should be on the inside covered by a plate. You will have to drain the hydraulic fluid down below the axle. I don't have your machine but most are done the same. Use longer bolts and put them in the holes when you take the plate off. They will lock the sprocket in place. Then you can remove the nut and axle. Someone on here that has the LS180 may be able to give you a better advice. Mike 10 if he is around. Good luck.

 

[Mike10]

The castle nut should be on the inside covered by a plate. You will have to drain the hydraulic fluid down below the axle. I don't have your machine but most are done the same. Use longer bolts and put them in the holes when you take the plate off. They will lock the sprocket in place. Then you can remove the nut and axle. Someone on here that has the LS180 may be able to give you a better advice. Mike 10 if he is around. Good luck.

All you have to do is remove the 8 nuts and the axle will come out. No need to drain oil as the oil level is well below the opening in the chain case. It helps to not have the loader tipped so the sprocket rolls towards the center of the chain case. As long as you can see the complete hole in the sprocket you should be able to slide the axle back in. You just need to be careful when you tighten the nuts. If you look at the new axle you will see a built up area around the inner bearing. This built up portion must fit in the opening of the chain case. Just sticking the axle in and tightening the bolts can distort the chain case if the built up area is not in the hole. Install the axle housing on the bolts and start some nuts to hold it in place. Use a large screwdriver in one of the slots and pull the axle away from the center of the loader and the built up area will slip into the opening. Be sure to use a new oring on the axle housing. Grease it well to hold in place.

 

[urhstry]

All you have to do is remove the 8 nuts and the axle will come out. No need to drain oil as the oil level is well below the opening in the chain case. It helps to not have the loader tipped so the sprocket rolls towards the center of the chain case. As long as you can see the complete hole in the sprocket you should be able to slide the axle back in. You just need to be careful when you tighten the nuts. If you look at the new axle you will see a built up area around the inner bearing. This built up portion must fit in the opening of the chain case. Just sticking the axle in and tightening the bolts can distort the chain case if the built up area is not in the hole. Install the axle housing on the bolts and start some nuts to hold it in place. Use a large screwdriver in one of the slots and pull the axle away from the center of the loader and the built up area will slip into the opening. Be sure to use a new oring on the axle housing. Grease it well to hold in place.

Thanks Mike10, that was exactly what I was looking for.