DK-40se/hst noise from left front wheel area

[Coyote machine]

Hard to hear the noise but it is clearly coming from some part of the left front wheel area. Sounds like a clicking, ratcheting noise and is apparent in forward and reverse. It is there whether going straight or turning, and without 4x4 being engaged. Sort of sounds like a CV joint click, but fainter and more like a ratcheting sound....
Note: my workhand who helps around the place said when he went to grease the fitting at the wheel which faces forward at the top of the axle housing it took a half a tube of grease and did not come out anywhere as one expects to see when greasing fittings?!:confused2:

Any ideas?
TIA,
CM

Oh, and on another note I broke the 3/8" winch cable on my winch today on the last pull of the day! Bummer...

 

[MotorSeven]

If your under warranty take it in. If not, pull the wheel and bearing & see what's going on in there.

 

[Coyote machine]

Yes, I'm under warranty, but it costs time and $ to get it to the dealer. Would like to have some idea what it might be before going that route.
Sorta need to use it now before winter comes knocking. Trying to get things cleaned up before the snow flies.

 

[Redneck in training]

Do the obvious first. Are the wheel lugs tight? Are the ball joints tight?

 

[mpham]

If he pumped in that much grease I wonder if he didnt displace a seal in there and now it is rubbing? I would think it has something to do with it.

 

[IndyIan]

If he pumped in that much grease I wonder if he didnt displace a seal in there and now it is rubbing? I would think it has something to do with it.

How much grease should you pump in there then? I did a few pumps and didn't see where the grease would come out so I quit.

 

[grsthegreat]

Have you tried to jack up the front end and spin the tires..try to locate the source of the noise?

 

[mpham]

Your first post says a half a tube was pumped in.
Most fittings should only get a few pumps. You shouldn't go
till you see grease as this could cause damage. Bucket pins and
such are ok. Not drive shafts or sealed front end joints.
I second jacking up the wheel to check it out.
Our ck20's run the axle and gears in oil. Not sure what yours has. Was just suggesting something to look for.

 

[DirtHauler]

I had a kind of "clicking" noise on my ck30 for awhile from somewhere in the front axle but never could figure out what was causing it. Then one day the left front wheel seal let loose and was leaking oil at a good rate. When I took it apart to replace the seal I discovered that outer bearing cage was gone and ground into pieces and I assumed that this is what the "clicking" noise was because since I replaced the bearings and seal I haven't heard it.
It might be worth checking out.

 

[Coyote machine]

Here's the skinny on the situ: I pressure washed the entire area of the front end to get it clean for inspection. Jacked up the entire front end and spun each wheel independently. Could hear the front diff turning while spinning either wheel- seems this may be what I've been hearing, but don't remember it previously.
One important note for everyone reading this: service manual says to keep front tires to MAX air pressure if using a loader! That's 45psi/tire!
I have been moving some very heavy loader loads to the point of having to dump some gravel prior to transporting it due to being at maximum capacity where the loader will not move another pound of anything. Also I've been using my log grapple to max capacity moving entire LARGE trees and boulders. Almost flipped the machine with one very large rock- had to dump it to right the tractor.
I checked the diff fluid and it was clear and smelled like a sewer,(like most diff fluid).:laughing: I meant to check the level after the inspection but the axle was up in the air on a tilt and I forgot- so will tomorrow AM. I believe it was a little low but will need to verify. There are no leaks.

I hear what those who replied to this post have said about possible bearing damage, seal damage, etc.
What I'm unsure of is if one should hear anything when spinning one wheel or the other withOUT 4wd being engaged?
It sounded to me like 'normal' drive shaft to front diff noise and gears turning while the wheel was moving. I have no reference to check to know if any noise is acceptable. Anyone who could clarify this would be greatly appreciated...as are all comments to date.
TIA,
CM

BTW, fixed the snapped winch cable with a die grinder and three cable clamps! Back to hauling huge trees, Yahoo!!