Creaking noise from front end

[CarltonInVa]

A couple of months ago I noticed that my TC 33D made a creaking noise from the front left wheel area when I drove onto a steep incline where the left front wheel was elevated a good bit above the rest of the wheels. It was more like a bump in the grade that caused the left front wheel to rise while the back wheels remained level. The noise was plenty loud and was easliy heard over the engine (running at 2800 rpm and rear mower engaged). I got off the tractor and looked for any problems. I didn't see anything wrong - but I'm not a mechanic either.

Lately it seems to be happening more often and the sound of it (to me) doesn't sound like something that should be happening. It only happens when the left wheel is elevated. When I drive on the same incline the other direction (so that the right wheel is elevated) there is no noise.

Has anyone experienced something similar? Any ideas on what it could be or what I could check?

Thanks!

 

[JerryG]

This may sound silly, but has the lugs been checked to see if they are tight enough? If they are just a small amount loose, sometimes they can pop.

 

[markie61]

I'd definitely check out all the front wheel lugs. If that isn't it...

4WD in or out?

Have you checked the front fluid levels? Both the differential and the final gear case behind the wheel?

Front axle pivot been lubed?

Mark

 

[tc35dforme]

Are you tipping enough so that the axle stop rubs against the frame. On my 35D the axle has a flat spot cast in the top that will contact the frame rail when the axle tips beyond a certain point. Kind of like a maximum pivot stop. Maybe you're just hearing the metal-metal contact here. This would definitely groan if you put a bit of a turn in the axle while its metal - metal.

Just a thought ???

 

[have_blue]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( TC 33D made a creaking noise )</font>

That's no noise. That's your TC saying "Grease! Grease!" /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[stumpman]

Have_blue,
I agree, grease is the word (boy am I showing my age). I had a similar noise with my TC29D and after talking with my dealer, discovered an out of the way - hard to reach grease fitting. A couple of pumps and the noice was gone.