Jd3320 left side front wheel is moving side to side

performancespring · Sep 15, 2013

Hi guys, noticed the other day as I was brushhogging that my left front wheel/tire was moving around as I was driving it...once I got it back up to my home and took a look, this is what I noticed....
1. When I grab the steering tie rod with my hand it moves back and forth...I dont remember it ever doing that before
2. I raised the front end off the ground and went to the front left (as if sitting in drivers seat) wheel and grabbed it to see if it would move in a way that didnt seem right...it did...it feels loose when I grab with both hands-it will move side to side....the right side wheel/tire does not do this...it feels nice and secure.

All left side hardware seems to be snug....wheel bolts, tie rod nut and cotter pin are in place...my buddy, who is not a mechanic lol, thinks it is a wheel bearing...he may be correct but since I am out of warranty I did not want to drive 40 miles one way to JD dealership to find out it was something silly like just adjusting the tie rod itself. I appreciate ya'll taking time to read and any advice will be much appreciated.
Rob

Dr Dave · Sep 16, 2013

If it is the wheel bearing, you would also have movement up and down when check with the front raised.

If the tierod is loose, it is easy to check, have someone move he steering wheel side to side, while you watch, check the inner and outer.

Dave

performancespring · Sep 16, 2013

Hi, just got home and raised front end and the wheel/tire is not moving up/down...the axle itself is moving up/down but I am sure that is just the independent suspension as when I lift up/down on wheel/tire it raises/lowers the opposite side. Could it be a tie rod ball joint? Thanks in advance....

Cocre · Sep 17, 2013

No independent front suspension. There is a thrust bolt in the middle of the front axle that the entire axle assembly pivots on. Right side goes up, left side goes does down. With the front end off the ground, torque the bolt per the operator's manual (24 ft/lb). You will be able to move the axle up and down by hand.

Side to side can be different matter. Side to side movement should move the opposite side in a corresponding manner. If not you need to look for visible looseness in the tie-rod or even just the wheel bolts to the axle. I think if it were a bearing you would also have a visible oil leak.

Hope that helps.

performancespring · Sep 17, 2013

Gotcha, I had a feeling I was mistaken about independent suspension...axle thrust bolt torque is good, I do stay on top of that...the more I think about day that this all started happening the more I remember how thick the brush was that I was driving back and forth over and I am starting to really think I rubbed something against the tie rod boot and/or I do remember there were some big dried up mud ruts that wheel was dipping into while steering and I may have tweaked something that way....of course my dealer says it will be a week before they can even look at it! I definitely dont have any leaks anywhere on front end and I cant see any damage to any components including tie rod boots, when tractor is on ground (not raised up) and I move steering wheel there is visual play at front left wheel. I have not tried to tighten/adjust tie rod slack but think I am at least gonna try that before I load up and head to dealer. I appreciate everyones help.
Rob