2320 Drive Shaft U Joint blew up.

[delrossa]

I had an issue also. Didn't know there were grease fittings on the driveshaft. The driveshaft that drives the front axle has sealed ujoint bearings. I looked but didn't see any fittings. After the front joint failed I took the tractor dash panels off to gain access to the access cover.
I didn't want to remove the panels every time i needed to grease that front u-joint. I figured the plastic would get brittle and crack over time.
I made an access cover to allow the inner access cover to be removed. I made up a grease gun extension using brass pipe. I put male and female grease gun fittings on the 1/4" pipe. I heated the pipe to make the required bend to enable me to get on the grease fitting squarely.
I purchased an electrical cover to use for my access cover. It won't rust and it looks good.
If you need pictures and measurements send me a message at (delrossa@hotmail.com).
I actually submitted this to John Deere but I am sure they won't respond.
Hope this helps someone.

 

[pinetree10]

Nice work but it's crazy that you had to do that. We pay a lot of money for these machines and they should be designed so grease fittings can be accessed relatively easily, or at least so owners don't have to create their own access panels.

 

[Kubota 2350]

I had an issue also. Didn't know there were grease fittings on the driveshaft. The driveshaft that drives the front axle has sealed ujoint bearings. I looked but didn't see any fittings. After the front joint failed I took the tractor dash panels off to gain access to the access cover.
I didn't want to remove the panels every time i needed to grease that front u-joint. I figured the plastic would get brittle and crack over time.
I made an access cover to allow the inner access cover to be removed. I made up a grease gun extension using brass pipe. I put male and female grease gun fittings on the 1/4" pipe. I heated the pipe to make the required bend to enable me to get on the grease fitting squarely.
I purchased an electrical cover to use for my access cover. It won't rust and it looks good. View attachment 456681View attachment 456682
If you need pictures and measurements send me a message at (delrossa@hotmail.com).
I actually submitted this to John Deere but I am sure they won't respond.
Hope this helps someone.

Now that's thinking outside the box, good job.

 

[Ali88]

I just had my u joints blow apart, JD parts says they want almost a $1000 for this shaft, if Kubota makes u joints for these, does anybody know the part #, it seems like it may be a cheaper fix.

 

[jenkinsph]

I just had my u joints blow apart, JD parts says they want almost a $1000 for this shaft, if Kubota makes u joints for these, does anybody know the part #, it seems like it may be a cheaper fix.

Have you tried your auto parts store? I use NAPA for this kind of parts and they either have it or can get it over night.

 

[KennyG]

I keep watching threads like this for reference information. I've regularly lubed my U-joints and have no issues at 500 hours but I wonder what is involved in replacing the joints? Do you have to pull the hydro pump to remove the shaft? Are the U joint yokes part of the shaft so you have to rebuild the joints or replace the entire shaft rather than replacing just to the U-joints?

Anyone who has been through this, I would appreciate the feedback.

 

[Ali88]

Well Kenny, I am not doing the work on mine but I know my shaft was damaged when the Ujoints blew so I have to replace the whole shaft, but had it not been damaged I could have gotten away with NAPA U joints #410, and the mechanic that is doing the work on my tractor says that JD sells them as well, and no I don't believe he pulled the pump.

 

[buickanddeere]

A lot of problems could be avoided if the operator read the operator's manual.

 

[Victory Pete]

A lot of problems could be avoided if the operator read the operator's manual.

This was not in the owners manual initially. A lot of useless posts could be avoided if people read threads thoroughly.

 

[cford36]

A lot of problems could be avoided if the operator read the operator's manual.

This seems to be a poor design that JD has continued to use. My 2210 has had the same problem. Numerous posts on this. It is not in the manuals, probably because the rear one, at least on the 2210 is impossible to get to from underneath. Only solution that anyone has come up with is to drill a hole in the deck directly above it. Then it goes from impossible to just a nightmare. I am amazed this design hasn't been changed. Only one reason why my soon to be next tractor is not a JD.