Hoping to Accomplish?

[MalMac 1,331]

Alright, we all have had to change out the Axel Seals before. Can someone tell me what did Toro hope to accomplish by going to a cheap all rubber seal. The last few that I have changed out I have went to a auto parts store and got a good seal with a steel outer band. A month ago I had to change out seals and the store I normally use was out did not have time to wait for some to come in. I went to the Toro dealer and got the seals thats recommend. Would you know it there last knight was a nice puddle of that ever so lovely smelling gear oil on the barn floor. I know cutting cost is the norm now days, but come on sooner or later I would think someone up there my get a clue and look at the numbers and wonder why there parts sales are down even for their ZTR's. If there parts are junk for them like the seals are for the tractors they might want to open their eyes.  Ok I am done now. Darn stinky oil anyway.

[rmaynard 15,610]

The answer might be two simple words, "service revenue". Most consumers don't do their own service, so a leaking seal can provide a nice source of revenue for the dealer.

 

Having said that, I have only had one problem with a Toro seal leaking, and it was probably my own fault for not installing it correctly. It was for a brake shaft seal, not an axle seal. However, I do not like the idea of a plastic/rubber seal, and since the leak, I now buy all of mine at NAPA or from other online sources where the body of the seal is made from stainless steel.

Edited August 27, 2013 by rmaynard

[CasualObserver 3,408]

Is it possible that you cut your seal during installation?  It doesn't take much.  Careful removal of the old seal  is also essential for not buggering up the seal's seat in the housing.

 

Proper installation is absolutely a key element here.  You have to take every precaution to make sure you are not cutting that new seal on the keyway or any other set screw type burrs.  I file the burrs off, and then for good measure also wrap the shaft in electrical tape, covering the keyway or rough spot.  A little oil and that new seal will slide right down over the potential cutting area.  Haven't had issues with old or new seals that way.

[MalMac 1,331]

No, I am quite sure I did not cut it. I have installed a number of these and know all the precautions to take. It's just that fact that they are junk seals that Toro is offering now compared to the seals of the past or getting a quality seal from a auto parts or bearing supply store. It's just the fact to me that they have the gull to charge what they charge for a inferior product. I know a dealer that will not use them anymore because he was tired of having customers come back after he did repairs for them. I knew they were junk when I bought them but my back was against the wall. Shame on me because I knew better.

[stevasaurus 22,872]

Is it possible that your axle is worn enough to not let the seal do what it is supposed to do?  Also, a worn axle bearing could have something to do with it.  Just a thought.    You are right about the cheaper seal though