2544 axle popping noise rear end

[evan4434]

When I back up my 2544 I hear a popping sound from the rear end or axle. What is causing this? I have 34 hours on it now and I am going to have to take it in. Anyone else have this issue?

 

[moe1942]

My 2542 was built on Wed. No problems so far.

 

[evan4434]

My 2542 was built on Wed. No problems so far.

Was rebuilt? What did you mean by built on Wed.?

 

[CCinCT]

When I back up my 2544 I hear a popping sound from the rear end or axle. What is causing this? I have 34 hours on it now and I am going to have to take it in. Anyone else have this issue?

Haven't heard of anyone having this before. Are you sure there isn't a twig or something caught up in the transmission fan?

 

[evan4434]

Dealer picked it up last night and the tech is pretty sure the transaxle is shot. I will let you know when I hear more information when they tear it down.

 

[JTKub]

There is a post floating around somewhere in regards to a newer 2500 series owner that has the same exact symptoms. Can't find it right now, nor do I know of any resolution to it?!? The rear end on these units is just a simple open style differential with an external (dry) brake and a Hydro-Gear BDU- series hydrostat coupled to the input. Not a whole lot to go wrong, although the entire diff may be made in China. I know the cast iron diff housing is stamped "China".

Joel

 

[evan4434]

I hope this is not the case the whole reason I bought the 2500 is for the rear end. When I did look underneath I saw the word CHINA on the rear end and though S h ! t no wonder. I plow a lot of snow with this and pull fire wood around with it. I could have gotten something a lot less expensive instead of this. Also when I let off the break the engine dies plus the headlights keep burning out as well. So far I am not impressed at all with Cubcadet I spent $3500 for the tractor, $700 for a blade, and $150 for chains and wheel weights. I could have bought two Craftsman for that much money. I hope the warranty will cover all this crap since it is only a year old with 34 hours.

 

[moe1942]

Was rebuilt? What did you mean by built on Wed.?

Old joke. Quality based on day of the week it came off the assembly line. Monday is the worst. Big hangovers..

Take it to the dealer. Check the rear wheel lug bolts first.

 

[Flip221]

I've had the same thing happen on my 2006 2544, but it only does it when the rear end is wet after I've sprayed it down or washed the tractor. As soon as it's dry, the clinking goes away. I had talked with my dealer when it first happened, and he said it had something to do with the real axle seals.

If it's under warranty, take it in. If not, I'd just ignore it until...

 

[JTKub]

The axle seals do chirp and squeak on my 2544 as the wheels rotate. If I wipe them down (from the outside) with a clean rag and slather some silicone grease around the axle/seal area, they will stay quite for a while. Other than noise, there's no trans oil leakage from the seals, binding, etc.

Joel