A couple of 4530 quirks

[cdover73]

I am getting a few aggravating noises and actions that I am curious about.

First, when in 4WD or most any low range gear, the mesh of the gears is noisy as heck. I don't think anything is wrong, but there is a roaring noise coming from the entire drivetrain. Is this normal? The oil levels are fine and the tractor only has 150 hours on it.

Second, When using the brakes independently to turn, the brake that is locked hangs up until the tractor is straight again, even after I have taken my foot off it. It then makes a loud clunk as the brake releases. Again, I don't think it is a problem, but is it normal?

Third, I have noticed lately that there is a rough or hard spot in the steering. It happens when steering from left or right and does it as the front tires are passing the center point (straight ahead). I don't know if it is a ball joint, steering knuckle, or oil supply issue. It's not real bad, but does seem to be getting worse. Also, it isn't as likely to do it when turning slow, but if I spin the wheel to make a quick turn (as in working the garden) it does it almost every time. I am leaning to oil supply and me not giving it time to make the turn, but the lack of dust seals on the steering boots have me concerned as well.

Last, the inside of my front left wheel is constantly covered in greasy dirt. The other side is clean. Both boots are gone from the steering joints so I keep them greased more than normal. Could it just be grease or could I have a leak on that knuckle seal? It's only on one side. The oil levels are normal. Where else could it be coming from?

 

[RedRiver]

Sounds like the brakes may need adjusting. We've had several units in the past that when you unlocked the parking brake one side would stick.

About the steering....this may not be what's happening but I have noticed on some of the 30 series that if the tractor is at a low idle the steering may not be as smooth as if it were idled up a little bit.

Not sure about the 4WD and the grease on the one wheel. I did have a customer that was complaining of his 4530 making the roaring sound when traveling at higher speeds from pasture to pasture, turns out he didn't realize it was in 4WD. I've never noticed a loud roar when going slower in 4WD though.

 

[cdover73]

Thanks for the quick reply.

The roaring sound is more like a mechanical gear-mesh sound. That's why I think it is normal. It does only do it at low idle when "crawling" along, but it doesn't matter if in 4WD or not. What I meant was either in 4WD or in 2WD low range. Reverse is pretty loud in any gear also.

I adjusted my brakes about 6 months ago, but just started noticing the clunking. I know it is the brake releasing. The other day I was discing a 1-acre food plot. As I made turns for another pass I would use the brakes to help turn. When I let off, the tractor pulled hard as it straightened out and then after a few feet the 'clunk' would happen and the steering would get easier. Also, I didn't mention it but the brakes clunk the same way when I am backing up and hit them. Except it's like they are slamming shut.

I'm hoping the grease on the wheel isn't anything major. The tractor is still under warranty and it is overdue for the 100 hour service. I may try to get it in soon and let the dealer check it out.

 

[RedRiver]

Letting your dealer check it out would be the best thing to do in my opinion. The 4530's do seem to be slightly noisier than some other models but I have yet to see any transmission problems with them.

 

[civesnedfield]

I have a 4530 and I am not experiencing any of the noises, brakes sticking or steering problems.

As far as the dust boots on the tie rod ends---mine were gone three days after I got the machine.

I have replaced them with an aftermarket dust boot. THey have worked fine for nearly a year now.

I don't have the info with me right now, but I will post the info as soon as I have it in front of me.

Ed

Found the info. I ordered them from PartsAmerica.com.

I've included a link to the page: Dust Boots

I had ordered part number ENE913119G and ENE913105G.
I wasn't sure which one would fit. Now I can't remember which one actually did. Like I said though these have worked fine for me. I'd rather spend the 10 bucks to replace them than the 100 or so to replace the tie rod ends.

 

[cdover73]

Well, after a good thorough inspection by myself yesterday evening I found the ball joints on the steering knuckles to be shot. This creates a lot of 'slop' in the front end while steering. I should have known. The boots were gone after the first 3 months, but I keep grease in them. I guess this goes to show that grease can't do it's job if grit is allowed to get in there! I will change out both joints and hopefully solve the problem.

For those of you with torn boots on any tractor, replace them asap or risk replaicng the whole end. Mahindra doesn't make just the boot for the ball joints, you have to buy the whole tie-rod end just to get new ones (or so I am told by my dealer). $200 later and I should be fixed.

 

[civesnedfield]

Well, after a good thorough inspection by myself yesterday evening I found the ball joints on the steering knuckles to be shot. This creates a lot of 'slop' in the front end while steering. I should have known. The boots were gone after the first 3 months, but I keep grease in them. I guess this goes to show that grease can't do it's job if grit is allowed to get in there! I will change out both joints and hopefully solve the problem.

For those of you with torn boots on any tractor, replace them asap or risk replaicng the whole end. Mahindra doesn't make just the boot for the ball joints, you have to buy the whole tie-rod end just to get new ones (or so I am told by my dealer). $200 later and I should be fixed.

The dust boots that Mahindra uses are nothing but junk. MIne were torn after 5 hours on the tractor. I was at the dealer a couple of weeks ago and he was loading a brand new 4530 to be delivered. I noticed that one of the dust boots was torn.

The aftermarket ones that I have installed are doing just fine. See link on previous post.

 

[cdover73]

Update:

Correction on my ball joints. I was in the shop over the weekend and decided to jack up the front end to get a better look with the weight off. After doing so, I found the left tire ball joint to be loose! I feel stupid now that I jumped to conclusions. My only saving grace is I had a friend telling me the ball joint was "sloppy" while I was turning the steering wheel. I took his word for it because it was what I was thinking to begin with. With the weight off I was able to move the tire by hand and saw the ball joint rocking in the housing.
I tore everything apart on the steering arms, cleaned the joints, and repacked with grease. THEN I tightened them down to specs. No more slop...imagine that! I am relieved and will order the aftermarket boots as soon as I finish typing this.

I also paid more attention to the gear whine. I think it is just that, normal gear whine. I don't run the tractor over PTO rpm's and usually even under that. I also don't use any higher gear than I need at any time. If I feel myself having to slow the tractor by using the clutch, I downshift. At first I thought it was due to low rpm, like it was lugging. But it does it all the time - forward and reverse.

I talked to the dealer and he told me the brake sticking issue sounded like it just needs adjusting. He also said if that don't work I should hold the brake a little while moving to try to "burn them off". He said after a while of not using them they tend to glaze over and this may cause the clunking noise.

The residue inside the front left wheel was a concern to him. That, and the other issues I have mentioned, was enough for him to tell me to bring it in for a checkup. This dealer is awesome (Singleton Tractor - Franklinton, LA). They have always been willing to help and only a phone call away. I think I will take it to them to get the fluids and filters changed while they do a complete once-over. This says a lot about the path Mahindra and their reputable dealers are taking toward customer service.

cdover73

 

[cdover73]

Found the info. I ordered them from PartsAmerica.com.

I've included a link to the page: Dust Boots

I had ordered part number ENE913119G and ENE913105G.
I wasn't sure which one would fit. Now I can't remember which one actually did. Like I said though these have worked fine for me. I'd rather spend the 10 bucks to replace them than the 100 or so to replace the tie rod ends.

I got the boots in finally. I wasn't aware they come two per set so I now have two sets of each size! I will try installing them one evening this week. Question: The aftermarket boots don't have a retaining ring. What did you use to hold them in place on the ball joint?

 

[civesnedfield]

I got the boots in finally. I wasn't aware they come two per set so I now have two sets of each size! I will try installing them one evening this week. Question: The aftermarket boots don't have a retaining ring. What did you use to hold them in place on the ball joint?

Yup, you want to use the one that fits the best. It's just a pressure fit to the ball joint. I haven't had a problem with them. I should have told ya they come two to a packege. But the upside is that if you ever rip one you won't have to wait for the mail man.