Ford 1920 mystery noise ..... Help me diagnose please!

[ErikVann]

Hello
I have a ford 1920. Today after having graded a neighbors driveway I was headed back home on pavement in 2wd. I drove over a bridge expansion joint which jolted the tractor significantly. After that there was a very audible clicking noise coming from the tractor. I slowed down and the clicking noise slowed with wheel speed. At a dead stop the tractor does not make the noise at any throttle setting. I limped home slowly and began to try and isolate the noise. The noise is present with any forward motion of the tractor whether in gear, neutral or any clutch pedal position. Pto works fine. The noise remains the same regardless of turning or straight travel. When 4wd is engaged the noise is still present but the tune of the click changes maybe a bit muffled. The noise is not readily apparent in reverse. I consulted a neighbor about the tractor and he had some suggestions but we couldn't determine with any confidence what was going on. Please any input you might have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[almaryholm]

picked up piece of metal/nail in tire ??? ...can make strange noise....

 

[Cpjlube]

picked up piece of metal/nail in tire ??? ...can make strange noise....

Have you had someone walk along side to pinpoint the noise?
Also a rock wedged into the tread, depending on tread design.
Check the lug nuts or wheel bolts and possibly wheel center to rim bolts also.
If it's still doing it after that checks out and you have looked at all obvious places, support the rear tires off the ground and spin the tires. Then the fronts.

 

[jimmysisson]

Ditto wheel bolts and nuts. They sound really expensive when loose.
Jim

 

[ErikVann]

Ok I will check lugs I don't think it is an object stuck in the tire. The tractor makes the noise on both asphalt and on grass.the noise is very similar to the sound of the wheel of fortune. The faster the wheels are spinning the louder and more rapid the click noise. My neighbor who is a diesel truck mechanic spent some time with me trying to sort it out but we couldn't isolate the noise. The tractor has a curtis soft side metal cab and the acoustics are terrible as a result. Next step is jack up the front and see if it clicks with the wheels up in the air. I am also going to disconnect the front drive shaft.

 

[ErikVann]

I have jacked the front of the tractor up. The noise seems to be coming from the 4wd case on the bottom of the transmission. I am going to pull the driver shaft and see if there is an apparent problme there after that I guess I may need to drain the trans and take a look from above.

 

[jimmysisson]

Some guys get noise from the front driveshaft cover also. The tin seems to make it sound worse than it is. Remove and check for scuffing.
Jim

 

[ErikVann]

I took the drive shaft off and determined that the noise was coming from the 4wd mission case. I drained the trans and pulled the case the smaller top gear had significant damage to a tooth. The bump on the expansion joint must have sloshed a piece of metal down into the 4wd case and cracked the gear. I dont know where the piece of metal came from but I am optimistic that it is not a sign of a larger problem. Going to order new gears for the mission case and get the tractor back to work. I love this tractor I am always amazed at the amount of work it does.