Series 3000 pillar block seals
 

Hello all! I have a series 3000 Cub from 1998 with a 22hp Kohler. It has over a 1,000 hrs on it, so I decided to get a newer Cub for mowing and I'm fixing up the old cub for fun. I scrapped the mower deck because it was rusted out and I don't plan to mow with this tractor anymore. I am trying to find a snow plow or something to put on it. First, though, I have to fix all the darn oil leaks! I have new axle seals for the pillar blocks and removed the rear axle to begin replacement. When I removed the cover, however, I noticed that the inner pillar blocks had been siliconed in the housing with grey RTV. I didn't do it, but the tractor had around 400 hours on it when I got it, so I don't know if this was done at the factory, or if someone else tried to fix the leaking axle seal with RTV. If this is spec from the factory, then I will put it back that way, but it seems odd that it would have come like that from Cub Cadet.

Have any of you disassembled the rear axle assembly and know if it came with grey RTV on the inner pillar blocks? I'm guessing not, but I'm really sick of the mess the leaking seal makes and want to fix it right. I was able to source the correct oil seals to replace in the pillar blocks and have a new gasket on the way. Just want to be sure before I put it back together.

Thanks for your input!

Andy

I give up!
Just what is this "pillar block" you speak of?
Are you referring to the axle carriers?

I have a 2086 and I have noticed the mating surfaces of the transmission and rear axle parts are mated with this same stuff.

https://www.cubcadet.com/en_US/conte...b26829f4e6e3/y

Yes, you will need to add some Permatex 2 to the inner blocks. Look at post #11 in this link.
https://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/...t=33446&page=2

I think maybe he means "pillow Block".

Thanks Oak! I will use some silicone at the top and bottom as you pictured.

Thanks for the help.

Andy

Good luck. I had both of mine resealed. I had a local mechanic do it. One went well and has stopped leaking. The other leaks just a much. It is the most infuriating feature of the 3000 series.