2006 5254 Transaxle

[Cub5k]

I removed the left rear axle found it sheared clean just where the splines begin. I need to know if there is any way to remove the splined end left in the tractor. It would save hours of transmission removal and tear down if I could somehow extract the splined end via the axle housing. Its about 10inches inside to the axle housing but it looks like it sheared fairly even with the bearing so I don't know how much there would be to grab onto. Any ideas??

 

[Cub5k]

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.

In looking at your parts diagram for that tractor I would almost bet that the left axle is broken. When it breaks the tractor won't move unless you press the diff lock. Then you will only be driving the right wheel. The noise you hear might be the broken axle ends rubbing so you may not want to drive it. I just pulled my axle this afternoon and it broke cleanly right where the splines start. Unfortunately the splines stayed in the tractor and I will probably have to tear it down to get them out.

The test described in my service manual is this. Put the tractor in either Hi or Low range (if it has that) and try to roll it. If it rolls then the problem is def in the gears not hydro.

good luck

 

[Rolloff153]

Thanks to all for the reply. I'm a good parts changer but not too good at diagnostics

 

[Cub5k]

I went to Sears and got the heaviest magnetic pickup tool they had, 5lb pickup. I slid it in thru the axle housing and retrieved the splined end no problem. Very lucky that it wasn't stuck tight I guess. The break was completely clean with no pieces missing. Looks like the weld separated. I went ahead and replaced both axles with heavy duty ones. Only took about 30 minutes and it was back on it's wheels. Took much longer to refill the thing with oil.

 

[jnelson]

Cub5K,

Sounds like you made out well on your repair. Good thinking on the magnetic parts grabber. Sure beats a tear down.

How did you come up with 'heavy duty' axles? Was that something offered by Cub or did you find HD aftermarket parts?

JN

 

[Cub5k]

Cub5K,

Sounds like you made out well on your repair. Good thinking on the magnetic parts grabber. Sure beats a tear down.

How did you come up with 'heavy duty' axles? Was that something offered by Cub or did you find HD aftermarket parts?

JN

I really lucked out getting the axle end out with no fuss at all.

I had bought a Kwikway backhoe back in December that I hadn't gotten around to installing. It came with 2 CC OEM Heavy Duty axles. The CC service manual for my tractor has a chapter on installing the HD axles when using a backhoe. They look exactly like the originals but I heard they are stronger steel.

 

[jnelson]

It came with 2 CC OEM Heavy Duty axles.

Interesting...... I guess on the one hand I am disappointed as I would like to think that they would install the strongest axle design by default on all their tractors. On the other hand I guess it is good that they recognize the need for stronger axles and make them available. Unfortunately, how many people would never be aware that they are available or necessary until they find out the hard way?

Perhaps I am just too much of a perfectionist? Anyhow....

Once again I am glad for you that things worked out as well as they did! Your experience may very well benefit someone else in a similar situation.

JN

 

[max81sr]

I had a 5254..... key word was had, 4 trans assembly's and 4th was going bad, complained,called cub direct, waited..... waited some more. altogether I lost 1 and 1/2 seasons to it being down. after a year and a half of constant calling and complaining Cub switched out my 5254 with a 6284 free of charge!!! <- sounds good don't it?? WRONG, that tractor was only slightly better, never problems out of the trans, just everywhere else. good luck, with yours.

 

[Cub5k]

I had a 5254..... key word was had, 4 trans assembly's and 4th was going bad, complained,called cub direct, waited..... waited some more. altogether I lost 1 and 1/2 seasons to it being down. after a year and a half of constant calling and complaining Cub switched out my 5254 with a 6284 free of charge!!! <- sounds good don't it?? WRONG, that tractor was only slightly better, never problems out of the trans, just everywhere else. good luck, with yours.

There's a lot of those stories but I also see a whole lot of the 5000 series still around. I bought one in 2004 and have worked it way beyond its design with no problems. I even dug the hole for our inground pool with it. I discovered that my axle broke because the differential lock was sticking and I didn't realize it. A bunch of crud had built up where the diff lock cable goes into the trans causing it not to release. Pushing and lifting a lot of snow on asphalt and it let go. Can't complain too much though because the axle replacement only took 30 minutes.

 

[Cub5k]

Here's some pictures of the pool excavation done with the 5252. That's a tiller on the back. Needed for traction.