Desert Mike DIY
Member
When I first bought my tractor from my elderly neighbor, I found that 16 bolts were loose on the front drive axle. 8 more were loose from frame to engine mounting.
While exploring why the 4wd didn't operate, when I pulled back the tube that covers the front half of the drive shaft, the splined coupler was slid completely back onto the driveshaft, not engaging the front diff at all. The circlip had been forced out of it's machined groove. So I put the A-21 circlip back into place. 4wd was restored.
However, I think the reason the circlip was out of position was the massive end play on the front axle pivot bolt. It was turned out about 2 full turns, and the jam nut was loose as well. With no torque specs found for this bolt, I gently kept tightening it until is was barely snug. The front axle went from a sloppy mess, to a nicely pivoting mechanism. 4wd and the steering are now operating nicely.
Mike
While exploring why the 4wd didn't operate, when I pulled back the tube that covers the front half of the drive shaft, the splined coupler was slid completely back onto the driveshaft, not engaging the front diff at all. The circlip had been forced out of it's machined groove. So I put the A-21 circlip back into place. 4wd was restored.
However, I think the reason the circlip was out of position was the massive end play on the front axle pivot bolt. It was turned out about 2 full turns, and the jam nut was loose as well. With no torque specs found for this bolt, I gently kept tightening it until is was barely snug. The front axle went from a sloppy mess, to a nicely pivoting mechanism. 4wd and the steering are now operating nicely.
Mike
