2006 5254 Transaxle

cyclenorthman · Feb 12, 2010

I bought a new 2006 (last year they made them?) with a front mount 48" snowblower for $6500 and found a new FEL kit for $2000 but just want you to see the transaxle problemI had at 130 hours.Dealer and Cub fixed it for free 9 months out off warranty,hats off to them.Replacement has different parts number and has an upgrade to fix this problem.
If you check your trans fluid and find metal particles you might want to look inside.
5 of the 6 (the 6th one was on it's way out) of the differential bolts backed out and one got into the PTO gears,locking it up and poping the rear mower gearbox in two.

Cub5k · Feb 12, 2010

I have a 2004 5252. I think I snapped the left rear axle when pushing snow last weekend. I think I'm going to have to take the trans cover off so I might as well check for this problem also. Did you pull the transmission yourself as I have a couple questions.

cyclenorthman · Feb 13, 2010

dealer did the work but I did see some of the work.Whats up?
CNM

Cub5k · Feb 13, 2010

I'm going to have to open the transmission and it doesn't look like a big job but I'm unsure about the reassembly. There are 3 shafts that have to go into the side of the trans when it is put back on. I was curious how that was accomplished. Most transmissions come apart as top half and bottom half which makes it simpler to reassemble.

cyclenorthman · Feb 14, 2010

Get the brake shaft and the HI/LO shift shaft lined up and try turning the axle as you slowly lower and tap the upper case onto the lower.Remember to have the allen plug,spring and steel ball for the detent removed.
CNM

Cub5k · Feb 14, 2010

Thanks for the info. My parts diagram does not show that allen plug, spring and steel ball. I will check further. A couple more questions if you don't mind. Is there any special kind of sealer used for the casing halves? Doesn't look like any gasket is used. Also, after reassembly, is there any "priming" or air purge necessary? I haven't had any luck finding a tech manual for rebuilding this series transmissions.

cyclenorthman · Feb 16, 2010

It looks like they used the black RTV silicone sealer.I have seen it listed in parts list online,dealer may be able to help on that.
I would make sure the large filter is carefully prefilled with oil and don't run it above idle until hydraulics work and you know you have pressure.I believe the steering is the first item in line to get pressure so when that works you're OK.You should see pressure within 10-20 secs.
CNM

Cub5k · Feb 16, 2010

Perfect. I found the Black RTV silicone that says its oil resistant, heat tolerant up to 500 degees. that should do it. Thanks much for the good info.

Rolloff153 · Feb 18, 2010

You seem to know something about transaxles so I hope you don't mind if I ask a question. I have a 3206 that started making a popping sound in the rear end . The tractor jerk and then quit moving altogether. It will move with no problem with the diff lock engaged. I know it's not much to go on but would you think it is a broken axle? Thanks for your time.

jnelson · Feb 19, 2010

Rolloff,

I'm sure that there are more knowledgeable people here that are more familiar with the specifics of your model, but it sure sounds like it could be an axle - broken or sheared. I suppose there is a chance that it could somehow be related to gears in the differential, but it sure sounds like an axle to me.

I'm thinking that a broken axle might be the best thing to hope for since it would seem to me that would be the easiest repair considering the alternatives.

Good luck with that!

JN