Front End Knock

[RG_Upton]

This weekend, I moved a lot of heavy wood from a downed tree with my FEL in FWD mode from my home down the street a couple of hundred yards and back several times. The next day, I noticed a knocking in the front end, particularly under a load as I was working with the box blade. When I disengaged the front wheel drive, the knock went away even under load. Here are the tractor specifics. Massey Ferguson MF1030 Synchro, MFWD, Manual 12F/4R.

It seems apparent that something in the front wheel driveline is making the noise. What is the quickest way to track down specifically which area has an issue? I assume the culprit is likely either in the center differential or in one of the assemblies out at the hubs.

Thanks,

Russ

 

[skipmarcy]

Problems like yours can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint, other times you luck-out and find it quick. I've had my share of front end problems with my tractor. First thing obviously is to get the front end up and turn the wheels by hand. My next step would be to remove the driveshaft from the trans. to the front differential to isolate the problem to the front axle for sure. Noises can travel far thru shafts etc. After that if you can't pinpoint which side is noisy, you'll have to start disassembling. If it's a regular, steady knock it is more than likely a gear missing a tooth or a broken fastner of some kind. A broken shaft may not make hardly any noise at all, or possibly a very slight grinding sound if the ends of the break are still rubbing each other. The outdrive units on each side aren't that difficult to remove, just heavy, and they aren't that complicated inside if you have any mechanical skills and a decent manual. I can change a broken front axle in my tractor within 45 minutes and that's including filling it up with 90w, ready to go. If you've gotten the outdrives off and can find no problems there or with the axles, it would have to be in the diff. Removing & reinstalling the diff. isn't highly complicated either, but actually repairing the diff. needs to be done by someone who is honestly experienced in setting up a diff. properly, and there aren't too many of those around. It takes specialized measuring equipment and knowledge of reading gear tracking with Prussian blue to properly set a diff. and have it last. Tolerances are very critical in a diff. Hopefully you'll find something easier to repair - once you use 4wd very much on a tractor, it's very difficult to do the same work in 2wd - like a totally different piece of equipment !!

 

[RG_Upton]

Thanks for the quick response.

The knocking was at regular intervals when it occurred (only when the front wheel drive was engaged) leading me to believe that it is indeed in the drivline to the front. Based on the frequency, I suspect a tooth issue on one of the outdrives, so I guess I'll start there.

Thanks again.

Russ