Help 3616 clicking noise moving/turning

camoman · Jun 1, 2019

Hi folks, I have an issue that my dealer can't seem to fix. I have 3616 HST with a cab and when you start moving in any gear I start hearing a clicking type noise that gets worse if I turn either right or left. It's hard to tell where is coming from but sounds like mid to rear? The noise almost sounds like marbles in a pump clanking/moving around. The noise varys in speed with throttle and only happens when moving and turning from side to side. I believe the noise is getting amplified by the cab as you can not hear it over the engine outside the cab. If I didn't have a cab I probably wouldn't hear it at all but it's pretty loud in the cab.
The dealer has changed the filter and cut it open - no debris. They said they removed the power steering pump and took it apart and found no issue. They tried to bleed the system and that didn't work either.
The noise doesn't change in 4wd or 2wd or of the diff lock is engaged or not.
The tractor works perfectly fine no issues other than this noise. I have about 30 days of warranty left and because the dealer can't find an issue they don't know what to do and I currently have a 600 labor bill with no resolution.
Has anyone ever heard anything like this??

RNeumann · Jun 1, 2019

I’d start by lifting one tire at a time and see if you can isolate the issue to one wheel. Typically a noise that changes when turning would be from the front-like a final drive or something.

I’m confused why the pulled pumps etc. That makes no diagnostic sense. If I’m understanding correctly you can do whatever you want with the machine still and it makes no noise. To me that means it’s something attached to the drivetrain.

If this was my Jeep it would be a broken u joint in the front axle......

camoman · Jun 1, 2019

It makes the noise all the time but does not affect performance of tractor at all that I can tell. It's not a clicking that is in sync or constant with the rotation of wheels or drive shaft it's more random like if you were to put marbles in a round tumbler and turn it.

RNeumann · Jun 1, 2019

I’m no help- too confused with what’s going on. First post says when you are moving next post says all the time but randomly.

camoman · Jun 1, 2019

The noise is consistent when moving (it doesn't go away) And it's at random intervals ie. Not a rock in the tirethat makes noise at the same spot on every roataion.

Molalla1 · Jun 1, 2019

camoman said:
The noise is consistent when moving (it doesn't go away) And it's at random intervals ie. Not a rock in the tirethat makes noise at the same spot on every roataion.

You say a squeak, check your U-joints as RNeauman suggested to start with, because if this happening when traveling . . . start there.

camoman · Jun 1, 2019

Never said squeak... My bill is over $800 in labour at dealer now to trouble shoot this ( not being convered by Mahindras great 5yr warranty for some reason). I Don't believe it's a u-joint as that would be a consistent rotational noise which this not.

BobG_in_VA · Jun 2, 2019

I always try and eliminate the "easy" things first...I've got a '57 Farmall 230 that had the same sensations that you state...guess what? It was the rear wheel lugs were loose and every time that lug got to the "ground", it would click as it would move just a tad...check your lugs! BobG in VA

johnsonauto · Jun 3, 2019

Check the transmission, hyd dip stick, we had one years ago with an intermitent noise. Turned out to be the dipstick if put in one diresction rubbed something internal in the transmission. Not sure if the customer bent it slightly checking the fluid. If memory serves me correctly the loop on top of the dipstick needed to face to the right side of the tractor when sitting in the seat.