John Deere X304 noise at driveshaft/clutch area only when PTO not engaged?

Blackgreyhounds · Mar 13, 2020

So my X304 is making a terrible squealing noise up front in the area of the driveshaft and PTO clutch. Strangely, it only happens when the PTO is NOT engaged. It is perfectly silent whenever the PTO is engaged. Is there something up there other than the PTO clutch, like a bushing or bearing that might cause this? Any other thoughts? I'd hate to replace the whole clutch if that is not the problem. PTO works fine when engaged.

oldnslo · Mar 13, 2020

I believe the bearings are in use whether the clutch is engaged or not. Possibly the brake is not fully stopping the pulley and squealing. Is the pulley turning without the clutch engaged?

Another option, run the engine for a couple of minutes with the clutch disengaged. Shut engine off and then check to see if anything on the clutch assembly feels warm or hot.

Blackgreyhounds · Mar 13, 2020

oldnslo said:
I believe the bearings are in use whether the clutch is engaged or not. Possibly the brake is not fully stopping the pulley and squealing. Is the pulley turning without the clutch engaged?

Another option, run the engine for a couple of minutes with the clutch disengaged. Shut engine off and then check to see if anything on the clutch assembly feels warm or hot.

Thanks. I will have to look at this. I found a really nice youtube video about how to take apart the front of the drive system and also shows how to replace the drive belt which is a ridiculously complex chore on this machine. X320 John Deere Transmission Drive Belt Installation - YouTube It looks like the only two parts on that connect to the drive shaft are the drive belt pulley and then an all-in-one PTO clutch and mower deck pulley. I'll get those off tomorrow and see what I can see. T.hankfully, neither one is crazy expensive.

tomplum · Mar 13, 2020

It seems to be more common than it should. Some even tend to be noisy at low hours.The bearings are in use only when the clutch isn't powered. So, there's your noise.

oldnslo · Mar 14, 2020

Since the clutch housing brake assembly is stationary the bearings are in use all the time. Still possible a bad bearing and engaging the clutch some changes the load on it

tomplum · Mar 14, 2020

The bearings that support the pulley n plate are what take the abuse. One the disc is locked, the bearings aren't really doing much as the plate spins with the shaft- hence the noise goes away.

Blackgreyhounds · Mar 14, 2020

tomplum said:
The bearings that support the pulley n plate are what take the abuse. One the disc is locked, the bearings aren't really doing much as the plate spins with the shaft- hence the noise goes away.

Yes, that makes perfect sense and that's what I found when I took apart the front end. I ordered and "Xtreme OPE" branded replacement. It was only $112 vs. over $200 from the local dealer. Anyone have any real life experience with this brand? I'm good with waiting a couple days for delivery to save $100. Thanks to everyone for the help.

tomplum · Mar 14, 2020

I've installed a couple of these to save people $$ on riders that I didn't have good parts hook up for. Usually I'll install OEM though. One was odd as it came with a long adapter harness for the application it was on . (Toro ZTR) The other didn't. Still, the OEM clutch was 400$ +. He claimed to have an issue 2 years later and had asked about warranty. I gave him the info, but never heard what became of it. Bolt torque setting from the book is 53 foot pounds for yours.

Blackgreyhounds · Mar 14, 2020

tomplum said:
I've installed a couple of these to save people $$ on riders that I didn't have good parts hook up for. Usually I'll install OEM though. One was odd as it came with a long adapter harness for the application it was on . (Toro ZTR) The other didn't. Still, the OEM clutch was 400$ +. He claimed to have an issue 2 years later and had asked about warranty. I gave him the info, but never heard what became of it. Bolt torque setting from the book is 53 foot pounds for yours.

Thanks. If I get 2 yrs from it I'll be happy. I put less than 100 hrs/yr on it.
BTW, here's the carnage. Needless to say, I am NOT a fan of John Deere's plastic hoods, either.

crazyal · Mar 14, 2020

Mine's really noisy when the mower deck isn't on. I usually engage the PTO to stop the noise. But I don't know if it's a bearing or just the metal plate making light contact with the magnet.