oil leak on rear left wheel

bobcat743b · Jul 7, 2019

bought this 743b bobcat awhile back. don't know anything about bobcat. noticed I had some oil leaking on my rear left wheel. can only assume a bad oil seal, maybe bad bearing. finally figured out how to raise the cab up and lay it back on the tabs to get it out of the way. when I looked inside it blew me away. didn't look at all what I thought it would look like. probably simple but I didn't see any plates to take off to see the chain drives. what am I not seeing. need some help and a lot of prayers here in Missouri.

flyerdan · Jul 8, 2019

It's a bit involved, and requires some specialty tools to install the seal, as the axle bearings are pressed on behind the seal so it needs a two piece installation tool.
Grab a manual from the manual thread and read up on it, it's spelled out in good detail.
In the meantime, you can raise the wheel and check the bearing for in and out play and radial play. If the bearing seems good you can nurse it along a while longer, sometimes seals get damaged by some sawgrass or baling twine that gets wound up on the axle and causes a seep.

bobcat743b · Jul 8, 2019

flyerdan said:
It's a bit involved, and requires some specialty tools to install the seal, as the axle bearings are pressed on behind the seal so it needs a two piece installation tool.
Grab a manual from the manual thread and read up on it, it's spelled out in good detail.
In the meantime, you can raise the wheel and check the bearing for in and out play and radial play. If the bearing seems good you can nurse it along a while longer, sometimes seals get damaged by some sawgrass or baling twine that gets wound up on the axle and causes a seep.

I did download a service and parts manual for it. did remove the tire and don't feel any excessive movement. seems pretty solid. I see where you have to remove the brake assembly, control arms but what about the thing on top with all the hyd lines. not sure what it is called but does it have to be removed. manual is pretty clear about removing the axle and replacing the seal and bearing if needed but jut not sure what all I have to remove to get to it. been searching for the axle seal removable kit but haven't found it as of yet. just trying to understand everything before I start. all help appreciated. thanks norm in missouri

SkidRoe · Jul 9, 2019

bobcat743b said:
I did download a service and parts manual for it. did remove the tire and don't feel any excessive movement. seems pretty solid. I see where you have to remove the brake assembly, control arms but what about the thing on top with all the hyd lines. not sure what it is called but does it have to be removed. manual is pretty clear about removing the axle and replacing the seal and bearing if needed but jut not sure what all I have to remove to get to it. been searching for the axle seal removable kit but haven't found it as of yet. just trying to understand everything before I start. all help appreciated. thanks norm in missouri

Just for clarification, does the 743B not have removable hubs? I thought that this was one of the features introduced with the B model.
I googled a few pictures, and it looks like there should be a bolt in the center of the hub that holds it to the axle. If so, you should not have to remove the axle to change the seal.
Cheers - SR

bobcat743b · Jul 9, 2019

SkidRoe said:
Just for clarification, does the 743B not have removable hubs? I thought that this was one of the features introduced with the B model.
I googled a few pictures, and it looks like there should be a bolt in the center of the hub that holds it to the axle. If so, you should not have to remove the axle to change the seal.
Cheers - SR

there is a big bolt that holds the hub on. sure would be great if that's the case. the way the manual says its not a fun job at all. thanks norm