Kubota front hub popping

clee4020 · Sep 23, 2013

The front, left hub (if you are in the seat) on my M9540 4x4 is making a "popping" sound periodically. It doen't matter if the 4x4 is engaged or not. Any ideas before I call the dealer?

whis · Sep 23, 2013

bearing going out. fix it now before you tear it up worse

Baby Grand · Sep 24, 2013

I agree with whis - the less you drive it the better until you tear it down or get it serviced.
Steering tie rod end about to separate?
Start a fault tree:
Does the pop occur only when turning the steering wheel hard?
Does it only occur when turning in one direction?
Does it occur when driving straight ahead?
Does it occur only when reversing direction?

SPYDERLK · Sep 24, 2013

Its most likely a bearing cage failing. Be quick about the fix ... they dont give much warning.
larry

cowski · Sep 24, 2013

could be a wore out coupler. u-joint?

clee4020 · Sep 25, 2013

Baby Grand said:
I agree with whis - the less you drive it the better until you tear it down or get it serviced.
Steering tie rod end about to separate?
Start a fault tree:
Does the pop occur only when turning the steering wheel hard?
Does it only occur when turning in one direction?
Does it occur when driving straight ahead?
Does it occur only when reversing direction?

It doesn't have to be turning any certain direction and it doesn't matter if it forward or reverse.

Gary Fowler · Sep 25, 2013

Hopefully it is just a bearing going out as that is the cheapest fix to do on a front drive. If you have kept oil in the final drive, it likely isn't a gear failure so check the bearings. If you have an FEL or jack, raise up the front and shake the wheel to see if it has some slack in it. Bearing change out should be possible for you to do without a big dealer service call or transport fee.

whis · Sep 25, 2013

If you keep driving it you will be replacing more than some bearings. Take it apart if you know how or get someone to fix it. I know a guy who didn't and when he found out what it was going to cost he traded. Had to replace everything but the knee and housing

clee4020 · Oct 15, 2013

Update...It apparently was a few loose carriage bolt nuts that hold the 2 piece rim together. I took the rim off and appart to pressure washthem to see if the rim was damaged and noticed where the 2 pieces were rubbing in a spot or two. 2 different dealers advised me to do this before tearing into the hub. So far no popping.