John Deere 212 variator issues

[2jd212s]

Im having issues with the variator on my 78 212. The transaxle sheave is not bent. The idler pulley is bouncing up and down. There is absolutely no tension on the drive belt. Yet everything is connected and nothing seems to be binding. Now I do have a suspicious knocking noise coming from the variator sheave along with squeaking. My 77 212 is set up exactly the same and I do not see anything out of wack when I compare the two. A gentleman yesterday gave me a good idea from TBN but I have not yet had a chance to try it. If anyone has had similar issues could you please drop me a line and let me know what you think.

Steve

[beenthere]

You prolly don't want two different threads going at once.
Stick with one if you can.

[swkrone8]

I'm having the same problem did you figure it out?

[buickanddeere]

Go back and adjust the variator lever , sheeve and pedal travel. Then tinker with the spring tension on the variator side. Check alignment of everything again.
I have put a variator spring on the rear spring tension position for pulling heavy draft loads.
If the belt has jumped then been pinched between the pulley and case. The belt's inner load bearing fabric maybe broken.