JD 5303 Front Drive Shaft Guard

[deere5105]

Got time this morning to make repair. After looking and feeling closer, it seems there is a slight deformation of the drive shaft. Not sure pictures will show it, but feels like it is slightly out of round in one place. Also attached are pics of #8 1/2" self tapping screw used to resecure guard.

 

[deere5105]

I had to reposition the guard after initially reattaching it and hearing a popping noise. Was able to spin it around a little and reattach. Noise gone. I was able to look underneath while driving across open field and noticed the guard seems to be "flopping". Since the guards appear to be fixed on the collars on each end, that only leaves me with believing the shaft is indeed bent. The only other thought would be the guard is slightly deformed and contacts the spinning shaft in certain locations.

What kind of damage long term would result from operating as is? I looked up the shaft on JDParts and looks like I could get a new shaft and guard for around $500. Just curious is it necessary.

 

[KRH]

Before spending that kind of money, take the guard off and put a stright edge on the shaft. That will tell you if bent. Other option is to take guard off and have someone esle drive the tractor slowly while you watch the shaft. If bent, a drive shaft specialist maybe able to straighten out for you.

GOOD LUCK!!!

 

[MacTractor]

If the shaft is indeed bent, i would have it replaced. Although you do not feel any vibration, if it is bent it will be there. This type of vibration will just put undue stress on other components.

 

[AKfish]

If the shaft is indeed bent, i would have it replaced. Although you do not feel any vibration, if it is bent it will be there. This type of vibration will just put undue stress on other components.

The shaft shouldn't be that hard to remove. Looks like a couple of split roll-pins on each end of the shaft. Drive out with a punch and slide the spline collar onto the shaft and remove. Here's a part's diagram. John Deere - Parts Catalog

Eventually, over some time; the shaft irregularity will cause uneven wear and stress on the pinion shafts (front diff and transmission) this will be evident with leaking seals and eventually bearing failure and/or pinion teeth wear. None of these situations is a positive outcome...

AKfish

 

[Zebrafive]

I agree, you need to get the shaft checked and straightened if bent.

 

[deere5105]

Looking at the JDParts page it seems a fairly simple fix. Feel like the best way to know for sure is going to be to drop the shaft. Should be able to find a flat surface and roll it across to see if it is flat or maybe check it with four foot level as straight edge as suggested for straightness.

Any other things to check for further damage beyond the shaft it self?

Going to check around tomorrow to see if anyone local capable of straightening if needed.

 

[AKfish]

Well... if you know someone with a dial-indicator they could attach it to the input shaft (pinion) on the front MFWD after the driveline is removed. With the tractor jacked up, you would slowly turn the front wheel and watch the dial indicator to look for significant (out of round) deviation from the normal 360 rotation.

You could perform the same test on the output shaft on the transmission. Tractor off all fours and turn the rear wheel while in gear.

I'd be surprised if either shaft was significantly outside of normal specifications. (You could get that spec from your dealer's shop foreman.)

If you're concerned; see how much your dealer would charge for replacement and testing. If they give you a clean bill of health - normally, the shop will stand behind their work for 90 days - 1 year.

Good luck.

AKfish

 

[deere5105]

Found a local truck shop that will check my drive shaft. Stated may be possible to straighten, but won't know for sure until they look at it. Offered another unexpected option of them being able to build me a new one or have one built. May find out this is cheaper than ordering from JD?? Curious how hard the "sleeves" will be to knock back onto the shaft once the pins are driven out. Any thoughts that this would require a special tool? Looks like I just need to take the shaft off and get it checked so I can move on with this project. About to start gardening time and I don't want to be delayed.

 

[JD5210]

I looked at JDparts to compare your MFWD drive shaft to that of my 5210 and they look the same. The following is from the tech manual for my 5210, attached picture from JDparts

1. Remove cap screws (3).
2. Slide guards (1 and 2) together.
3. Remove spring pin (5).
4. Slide couplers (4) toward drive shaft (6) and remove drive shaft assembly.
5. Inspect parts for wear or damage. Check drive shaft for straightness. Replace parts as necessary.
6. Apply Moly High Temperature EP Grease to ID of couplers (4).
7. Install drive shaft assembly.
8. Install drive shaft guard cap screws (3). Tighten to specification.

Specification
Drive Shaft Guard Cap
Screws Torque ....................................................... 15 (11 lb-ft)