345 noisy PTO

[mikgran]

Hi guys-

The PTO is noisy on my 345. It sounds like a dry bearing. It makes the same sound whether idling or with the PTO engaged. Is this repairable, or is the PTO on it`s way out?

 

[bruceatlam]

If it's a bearing, they are replaceable. You obviously need to remove the clutch and then press out two bearings. Your local bearing house can match them up to new replacements and then you can press them back in --- if you can do this yourself, you can save a lot --- if you need to farm this out, then you're probably close to the cost of just buying a new clutch.

 

[mikgran]

If it's a bearing, they are replaceable. You obviously need to remove the clutch and then press out two bearings. Your local bearing house can match them up to new replacements and then you can press them back in --- if you can do this yourself, you can save a lot --- if you need to farm this out, then you're probably close to the cost of just buying a new clutch.

Thank you, Bruce.

I`ll try removing it and inspect the bearings. I`ll check NAPA to see if they stock the same basic bearing.

 

[mikgran]

I should probably check the drive belt idler also. It almost sounds like the noise may be coming from that rather than the PTO. I`ll remove the tension from the drive belt and inspect.

I read another thread where the JD tech told the owner that they can be noisy and last years, so just drive it and replace it when it goes bad. I just acquired this tractor and do not know how long it`s been doing it.

 

[Yellowfever440]

If it still makes the noise when the pto is on and the blades are spinning it's not your pto clutch bearings. That bearing only rotates when the clutch is off when the clutch is on the whole bearing rotates with the shaft.

 

[mikgran]

If it still makes the noise when the pto is on and the blades are spinning it's not your pto clutch bearings. That bearing only rotates when the clutch is off when the clutch is on the whole bearing rotates with the shaft.

Thanks, YF440.

The noise is the same whether the PTO is engaged or not. It sounds the same as a tired deck spindle bearing. This is why I`m hoping it may be an idler pulley.

I have not tried the deck out, as it had a plow on the front at time of purchase. I need to go to my dealer tomorrow and pick up a draft plate. One didn`t come with the tractor. It may be called something different on these, but it`s the piece that is attaches the front of the deck to the frame. On the older tractors it`s a draft plate.

 

[Yellowfever440]

It probably is the idler pulleys for the traction belt it runs all the time on a 345. Yes the front piece is called a Draft link on the newer tractors.

 

[mikgran]

It probably is the idler pulleys for the traction belt it runs all the time on a 345. Yes the front piece is called a Draft link on the newer tractors.

Thanks, YF440.

I was at my local dealer today and picked up the new draft link, as well as a secondary (deck) belt. Parts for for the link assembly came to about $68.

They also echoed your opinion regarding the noise. This weekend I'll remove the belt tension and figure out which idler is failing.

 

[mikgran]

It probably is the idler pulleys for the traction belt it runs all the time on a 345. Yes the front piece is called a Draft link on the newer tractors.

Yellowfever440- You were correct. The idler pulley beside the PTO was noisy. I also found that the drive belt was cracked with a chunk missing, so I replaced both at the same time.

Also bought a new draft link from the dealer. Link with all the parts was about $70. Now ready for mowing season.

Thanks for your input.