Front wheel locked up

[bturner425]

I went out tonight to plow some snow and I noticed the right front wheel was not turning on my Ford 1520. I lifted up the front end and the wheel is locked solid and won't turn. The left front wheel turns fine both static and with the front wheel drive engaged. Could it be just a frozen bearing or something or is it more serious than that? Will the diffferential slip if one of the wheels is locked so as not to damage any other components?

Brian.....

 

[Tnbilly]

If it were mine I'd get it to a warm place soon as possible and have a look at it. So long as you don't engage 4wd the other front should turn okay. It would be better if you could tow it of course but ya need to check it out and see if there any "physical" thing preventing the rotation, debris, ice or the like. After warming the machine up you'll also know if there might be an internal ice problem for some reason, if not you'll have to tear into it.

 

[dex3361]

I don't know how cold it is where you are but you may have water frozen in the wheel hub gears I would warm it up and see if it frees the wheel up. If it does then drain and change the oil. If that doesn't help you probably have bearing or gear problems.

 

[jimmysisson]

Given your weather there now, I'd guess ice in the final reduction drive, the low point on that side of the axle. Maybe get the tire up on a dolly of some sort so youcan roll the tractor inside where you can apply heat for several hours. I suspect when you drain you'll find ice or milky fluid. New fluid should fix the symptoms, though I'd check for cracks or anything else that would let bulk water in. You can get a little moisture from condensation, and it doesn't take much ice to lock up a bearing, but I'd still look for a crack somewhere. Good luck with it.
Jim

 

[Soundguy]

jack that non turning wheel well off the ground and then drive a wood wedge into the axle stop on the other side and nurse it home with one paw up in the air...

soundguy

 

[flyingcow]

jack that non turning wheel well off the ground and then drive a wood wedge into the axle stop on the other side and nurse it home with one paw up in the air...

soundguy

I like it. Good "trick" to remember.:thumbsup:

 

[Soundguy]

works when you loose a tire or a hub too...

soundguy

 

[jimmysisson]

Plus it's easier than my dolly idea - I'll use yours if it's ever necessary.
Jim

 

[Soundguy]

here's another one. had a boat trailer that lost an axle bearing and hub locked up on the highway. pulled over... there happened to be a lumber store across the 5 lane hwy.. I went over grakked a 2x4 and neals ans some sheet metal screws... ended up making a skid for it to get it down the road to a repair shop.

real redneck.. but worked. saved the axle and tire too..

soundguy

 

[bturner425]

Thanks for all your suggestions. Fortunately, It is snowing here so the wheel just slid on the ground. I had the local tractor store come and pick it up today. I don't have any place to work on it. Have not heard back yet what may be wrong. I will post when they find out.

Brian.....