Cub Cadet 2015 XT1, 50 inch, axle seals

[John Fitzgerald]

Part number TT-187T0134280. I replaced these CC XT1 seals last week. One side was leaking badly enough to lose enough fluid to cause problems. The other side was barely leaking. Removed hubcap (pry lightly on one side), axle bolt (need 1/2 inch socket), wheel, plastic spacer. Wide part of spacer goes next to transmission. Both seals appeared to be cemented in fron the factory with blue loctite. Had to be factory, as I bought the unit new. I had to resort to using a heat gun to loosen the old seals sufficiently to pry them out. Put the new seals in, with the spring side facing the transmission. Put two 3/4 inch machine bushings on, tapped the seals in with a pipe against the bushings, followed by spacer, then wheel. Machine bushings were suggested to be left on, by a youtuber who runs a repair shop. BTW, I gave the axle shaft and axle bolt a light coating of never seize before final assembly. Ordered a new fill plug for the transmission TT-168T2024250. Topped off fluid with Mobil 1, 15w50. Couldn't find recommended 5w50. Shouldn't matter, as I never run the unit in cold weather. It took a bit over a quart. Filled to about 3/4 inch from top. The fill plug is under the battery. Runs great now, fwd and reverse.