TC40 PTO noise

mmcclla · Mar 12, 2010

when i place the pto in gear it makes a high pitched screaming noise, similar to a belt slipping but with some roughness to it. the pto still works. the noise is somewhat intermittent but is present way more that it isn't.

dboacres · Mar 12, 2010

Sounds like a bearing. Might be sael, but they are less likely to make noise. Not sure about TC40, but my three earlier Fords have a bearing just under the shaft cover plate. You'll need to drain trans/axle. Take off cover. There is a bearing right there. Don't pull on shaft, it will come out! If bearing is bad you should be able to tell. Replace with new bearing, new seal and new gasket. Go to New Holland site and do a parts search. Diagrams are a great help and you'll have your part numbers. Carefull not to over tighten cover bolts. They are weak and brake off easy.

jinman · Mar 12, 2010

Does it make noise with nothing attached? I think it is a possibility that the PTO valve that actuates the clutch is loose and vibrating or is making noise because of the flow of hydraulic fluid. When you engage the PTO, the valve diverts 0.8 gpm of hydraulic fluid to the PTO clutch. It takes constant flow and fluid flow can cause squealing. If the PTO only squeals when you have a load like a rotary cutter attached, that could mean something is wrong with the PTO clutch. If you can tell where the noise is coming from, that would help alot. It might be the bearing as dboacres suggested, but I think you need to check out every possibility. The bearing is just one of several things that can cause this.

mmcclla · Mar 15, 2010

I'm out of town sorry for the delay. I does make the noise with nothing attached. When it first started it didn't. I can't tell exactly where the noise is coming from but it is under the seat somewhere.

dqdave1 · Mar 15, 2010

If you have an mechanics stethiscope you should be able to get a very close idea where noise is coming from. You can also use a piece of steel and put it to your ear and touch areas of concern.

jinman · Mar 15, 2010

mmcclla said:
I'm out of town sorry for the delay. I does make the noise with nothing attached. When it first started it didn't. I can't tell exactly where the noise is coming from but it is under the seat somewhere.

The PTO valve is directly under the seat. As a matter of fact, you can remove the seat from the operator platform and it is right there. I think your valve is making the noise and you have no mechanical problem at all.

dboacres · Mar 15, 2010

On two of my Fords ( dual clutch) the PTOs, when all gears are in neutral, PTO disconnected, and motor off, I can spin output shift both directions without any noise. There is zero play in the shaft, sideways, up and down , in and out. More description of your tractor might help. Do you have rear mounted remote valves?

jinman · Mar 16, 2010

dboacres said:
On two of my Fords ( dual clutch) the PTOs, when all gears are in neutral, PTO disconnected, and motor off, I can spin output shift both directions without any noise. There is zero play in the shaft, sideways, up and down , in and out. More description of your tractor might help. Do you have rear mounted remote valves?

John, you can't do that on the TC40 because as soon as you shut off the PTO, an internal PTO brake is applied to slow the PTO and lock it. You can push/pull to check end play, but if the PTO shaft turns, its PTO brake is shot.

mmcclla · Mar 19, 2010

OK just got home. Give me a couple of days to digest and check and i'll reply. Thanks for the input so far.

mmcclla · Mar 22, 2010

OK I did the screwdriver to the ear check (no stethoscope). The PTO is engaged w/no attachments. I put it on the case (where your feet go) and moved it back under the seat and then on the valve. It was definitely louder on the valve. Nothing appears loose, it is securely attached to the case. Assuming the noise is coming from the valve, what next?