Mahindra 5035 HST Front End totally disconnected

[Jabonee]

Jabonee,
Thanks for the heads up on that. I am going to check the parts diagram and see if it shows these tabs on our model.

Just looked the service manual. Your model does not have the locking tab washers like I see on the other big Mahindra tractors. :ashamed: Lock tight may be in order. :thumbsup:

 

[jb1390]

Hate to say it but the right front tire tells the story. The lack of tread on the outside edge of the tire indicates a front end problem long before the axle fell off. Lack of overall maintenance I'd have to say, First pics shows signs of rust where some part of the frame or bracket had moved off its original alignment too. Can't tell from the pic exactly what it is that's misaligned. This tractor has seen some abuse in use.
Loader frame/chassis bolts do require periodic checking for tightness, especially when a tractor is new. It's cited in the owner's and service manuals of most brands, and its generally good practice to check any bolts that are stressed during use, until a pattern of them NOT coming loose is established. Best practice and common sense.

As to a temp repair. Try a bottle jack, floor jack, farm jack, whatever is available and jack the axle back tight to the frame. Strap it in place with 2" ratchet strap or a come-along, or whatever you have available. Have a tow truck use their saddle to tow it or a dolly they can drop the front end into. Tow to wherever, repair, and check all bolts on entire tractor and keep doing that until you have a track record of what needs Locktite, etc. Get new wheel/tire(s), as needed and do a full service on it, and keep detailed records going forward. It will be as good as you treat it.
Good luck.

Seriously? The tire is worn there because nearly all mfwd machines have a pretty extreme positive camber (assists with steering etc). The worn spot is where the most pressure is applied during normal, straight driving.

My guess is that this isn't the first time Mahindra has run into this - I looked on my 3550 yesterday, and there are locking tabs on all the bolts that hold on the front axle. I would think they added them for a reason.

That being said, it is valuable to pay attention to things that appear out of the ordinary. I noticed my tie rod off center a little bit on one side- felt underneath, and a couple of the bolts that hold the steering assembly to the axle were missing, and the other side was loose. If I hadn't noticed that, it could've resulted in an expensive repair instead of a cheap quick fix. It's possible that there was some indication of that axle coming off before it failed entirely. Though, I'd still be upset if I were you - it's not reasonable or possible to check every bolt on the machine on a regular basis.

It's a huge part of why I do my own maintenance. I look everything over pretty regularly so I know areas to watch, and when something appears out of the ordinary. Doesn't catch everything, but it's helped over the years.

 

[tgolf01]

The dealer came by yesterday and we got it loaded up. Once we got it up, we confirmed that the front carrier bolts were what came loose and fell out, causing the whole front axle rotate. Here is a pic, notice how this bolt has thread wear? It doesn't appear that any thread locker or loctite was ever used, and that they had been moving around for sometime. I just don't get how this is something that you would have to normally check, as it's not the easiest thing to even get to. Obviously this is something Mahindra must of noticed as newer models have lock tab washers, that prevent them from backing out. I also spoke with a lady at the corporate office to ask if any service bulletins or recalls have been issued for this. She said she couldn't find any, not surprising. Not insight is appreciated.

 

[Agvg]

Well, must be bad engineering, proper thighten bolts don't come loose, never saw the drivers of big wheel loaderers running around checking bolts.

 

[radios1]

I could imagine going over the hood if the tractor was going full speed, and the front end fell out!.:thumbdown: they must have an odd sense of humor where that tractor was made!..

 

[JerryK]

I just checked the 4 big bolts on the front on my 2011 5035, @ a boot 540 hard used hours. My bolts do not have a lock tab on them, and are tight like they were put on by an 800 pound gorilla. I could barely get any of them to move using a 3' long 3/4" ratchet mit socket. Tires still look pretty new, too. I still also have a slight problem with how someone could drive a tractor and not notice something about the worn tires/creaking/or clunking of something getting loose like that. Not everything is someone else s fault in life...

 

[majorwager]

Going to play devil's advocate. I have an older IH. Sent to shop for some miscellaneous repair this summer. Shop manager called, stated the only thing holding the front axle on the tractor was the extended loader bracket. The retaining bolts under tractor, securing the axle, gone or broken off.

I blame only myself. An annual routine inspection would have detected this issue. Bolts did NOT likely fall out in one foul swoop. I. ME, should have NOTICED. There is a neglected pivot bearing zerk in the immediate vicinity. Had I looked, issue would have been obvious.

Things happen, when they occur do to neglect, blame everyone else. Should this happen? How much punishment and abuse does this tractor endure, hired help? Unsupervised? Yikes !!!!

What are the odds the pivot bearing fitting at front axle is generally ignored, right next to failing bolts. Don't mind if criticism my way ensues because these things should not happen. Being blunt, live your life in that fashion, maintain a long list of others to blame, avoid direct contact w/ mirrors.

 

[tkevan]

The dealer came by yesterday and we got it loaded up. Once we got it up, we confirmed that the front carrier bolts were what came loose and fell out, causing the whole front axle rotate. Here is a pic, notice how this bolt has thread wear? It doesn't appear that any thread locker or loctite was ever used, and that they had been moving around for sometime. I just don't get how this is something that you would have to normally check, as it's not the easiest thing to even get to. Obviously this is something Mahindra must of noticed as newer models have lock tab washers, that prevent them from backing out. I also spoke with a lady at the corporate office to ask if any service bulletins or recalls have been issued for this. She said she couldn't find any, not surprising. Not insight is appreciated.View attachment 569157

Hard to believe the operator didn't feel that looseness long before it fell out. There are 4 bolts, two for each pillow block, that hold the axle on. I check mine when I grease them for bolt tightness.

 

[Deleted member 314313]

Holy Moly. Looks like the Spiral Bevel Pinion dropped away from the chassis too.

 

[Molalla1]

Going to play devil's advocate. I have an older IH. Sent to shop for some miscellaneous repair this summer. Shop manager called, stated the only thing holding the front axle on the tractor was the extended loader bracket. The retaining bolts under tractor, securing the axle, gone or broken off.

I blame only myself. An annual routine inspection would have detected this issue. Bolts did NOT likely fall out in one foul swoop. I. ME, should have NOTICED. There is a neglected pivot bearing zerk in the immediate vicinity. Had I looked, issue would have been obvious.

Things happen, when they occur do to neglect, blame everyone else. Should this happen? How much punishment and abuse does this tractor endure, hired help? Unsupervised? Yikes !!!!

What are the odds the pivot bearing fitting at front axle is generally ignored, right next to failing bolts. Don't mind if criticism my way ensues because these things should not happen. Being blunt, live your life in that fashion, maintain a long list of others to blame, avoid direct contact w/ mirrors.

I like this post. . .:thumbsup:. . . it speaks volumes.