BX25 Rear Wheel Fell Off!

[savaytse66]

I was mowing last night on a slight slope, and thought my mower deck became disengaged because I felt a "rubbing". It turns out my left rear wheel fell completely off. What was especially strange is that I found three of the lug bolts within 3 feet of the wheel, which means, there was some sort of sudden failure, I think. The holes in the hub were clearly deformed though, so at the very least, I will need a new wheel. The lugs are definitely stripped to some extent, but my question is: what are the chances I'll need to replace the rear axle? I am hoping the lugs are softer than the axle, and by simply replacing the lugs, I'll be okay. But if I need to replace the rear axle, how difficult is it?

 

[ptsg]

I don't think you'll have any issues with the axle. If anything, it might need a tap ran in to clean the threads as the first thread may have got a nick or two when the bolts finally fell off.

This is why the manuals refer to check the bolts around the tractor. Things work, vibrate, take stress and have a tendency to come loose.

 

[Username Taken]

Torque numbers are there for a reason.

When a wheel calls for 120 ft-lbs of torque(?) per lug, and somebody (not saying it was you) puts a 600 ft-lb Impact on them and runs them on, one by one, until they can't move anymore.............

Glad you weren't hurt. That's the important thing.

 

[5030]

SOP is checking the lug nut torque at least monthly. In your owners manual.

 

[sea2summit]

Considering it seems like the current trend is not to check fluids for the first 50 hrs I'm scared to ask if you ever checked the torque of the lug nuts.

I don't see why you'd need to replace a rear axle because studs stripped out....but I'm not sure how you stripped studs out. I'm pretty sure they came out slowly and the rim rubbed them making you think they stripped out. How do the rims look?

 

[ruffdog]

If you can, run the tap from the backside so you start in good threads first.

 

[Tinhack]

We can always tell who is new to tractors. PTOs don't work. Can't find the spark plugs. Wheel falls off.

 

[ruffdog]

We can always tell who is new to tractors. PTOs don't work. Can't find the spark plugs. Wheel falls off.

But, they are smart enough to come here and ask for help from us.

 

[rademamj1]

I doubt the studs need replacement, but if any do, they do pop out and then new studs can be inserted from the backside. Order new lugs, and try mounting them first with proper torque. Double check all remaining lugs on all wheels. Read operators manual to determine if any additional service items need to be accomplished.

 

[savaytse66]

Thanks for the feedback and tips.

FYI, I am certainly not new to tractors, at least not this one. I've owned and maintained it for over 10 years now, both personally, and with the help of my local dealer when needed. I certainly wouldn't come here asking for insight for a neglected machine. Do I check the torque on every nut and bolt every time I use the tractor? Of course not, and I dare anyone suggest it is normal to do so. But maintenance is normal, and the machine is otherwise in very good shape.