fabric packing for main bearing on outside of trans case on JD

[Steve Swan]

ok. i've got a question about a woven rope like packing material that i have found in 2 JD transmissions i have seen. it has a braided outer sheath and a braided inner core. this rope type packing goes in the recessed area on the outside of the mainshaft around the slight stepped collar and is covered by a round thin plate that slips over the main shaft and covers the packing. this packing is not look like any jute or rafia i have seen. i have enclosed pictures of the packing, i had enough to use on my 27 transmission, but i am need in of more for another transmission i would appreciate your thoughts on this packing, what is the name of it and where i can source this packing. i don't seem to find it in the parts book.

20170308_165705.jpg20170308_192853.jpg20170308_192903.jpg.

[Tommo]

There's no way that HD or anyone else for that matter put anything like that in there.
That's a bush fix for a leaking bearing seal.

[MMasa]

Steve
Like Tommo said, that's an add on by someone in the past. That recess and that dished sling washer get the leak by oil into the drain.
Mark

[Steve Swan]

what is the normal expected life span of the large brass oil retainer on main gear ?

how much oil can one expect to see drip from the transmission, given the Rider's Handbook states, "don't be alarmed if you see a few drops of oil leaking from the transmission."