Frozen Front Wheel

JohnT · Mar 26, 2003

I haven't posted for quite a while.... busy building a new home. Took the TC45D out of the shed for the first time since last fall. Again the left front tire wouldn't rotate right off the bat. Again I'm doing the chacha - forward/reverse - in the shed until it breaks free. There's no noise or grinding after its free. I'm thinking there's moisture in the hub and it freezes over the winter. My TC45D is a 2000 and this has happened every winter. Anybody else experiening a similar problem? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

John

BillyP · Mar 26, 2003

If I were you, I'd repack the wheel bearings. I guess it could be possible someone at the factory forgot to pack the left one.

beenthere · Mar 26, 2003

I can't imagine anything holding that front wheel solid like that, especially ice. Nor ice being there after the warm weather these last couple weeks. I would think you have a serious problem there, and would not run the tractor until it was figured out. After breaking it loose, can you spin the wheel by hand with it off the ground?
What does your dealer say?

JohnT · Mar 26, 2003

Talked to the dealer about it after it happened the first time - winter of 2000 - and he didn't have a clue. Boomer's were still pretty new then. It's definitely temperature related, because it only happens in cold weather. Don't use blue at all during the winter, since I have a smaller gas tractor to plow snow with. Once warm weather comes along and I do the spring chacha there's no more problem. I'm not too worried right now, because I still have 2 more years of drive train warranty remaining. I'll probably have them take it apart when I have them pick it up for 400 hour service.

Hoeman00 · Mar 29, 2003

Since u have a loader lift the front end and check for ease of rotation and any movement if u pull on bottom and push on top of tire (like checking ball joints), this will give a bearing check.
How long does it have to set to freeze up?
If it sets over nite in below freezing will it lock up?
If it will lock up over nite, start it up and use loader to lift front end off ground and try turning by hand (don't put hand under wheel unless blocked up too).
Have u drained oil and replaced it yet.
This may be too late due to warm weather but u could leave at dealer during winter so they could let it set out in cold and see what is happening.
After it froze up they could use forklift to carry front end of tractor and put inside and tear apart.
I also wonder about water in gears and bearings and rust being your problem.

grainger12002 · Apr 1, 2003

JOhn : wondering if you found any more info on your "frozen"front wheel syndrome yet? look forward to finding out what was causing that problem-Lloyd

JohnT · Apr 7, 2003

Grainger,

Haven't used the tractor since I last posted. Moved into the new house and keepin busy with honeydo's. Besides, weather has gotten nasty here in Wisconsin. I suppose I'll be able to answer some of the other's questions once I begin grading the construction site. Only have this problem durring the winter.

grainger12002 · Apr 7, 2003

Sure is an interesting situation. Must have soem moisture in that knuckle r the wheel brng,but we will have to wait and see-THanks for the reply-Hard to believe that we are bracing for more snow in the Northeast,maybe a foot of heavy wet stuff,figures we just took all the plows off and power washed everything-

BillyP · Apr 7, 2003

John, this problem may not show up until it sits all winter but it could be wearing everyday you drive it. Check the wheel bearings.

RickB · Apr 13, 2003

I don't know if you are in warranty or not. This problem is not likely to cure itself just because the symptoms aren't present.
You or your dealer should inspect the axle and final drive before someone has to shell out some big bucks for gears or a casting. A major problem can easily translate into a parts bill of over $1000. Not ot mention downtime when you want to be using the tractor.