L3010- creaking noise in right rear

[kbota]

I have an L 3010 GST with 550 hours on the clock. 4x4, FEL, ag tires. It's been a nice tractor. Recently started hearing a creaking noise from the right rear axle area. I Checked all wheel studs/bolts, and they were tight. The noise is worse when the tractor has a heavy implement.

So, yesterday, I pulled the right wheel, rops, and fender, then drained the hydraulic fluid. Then pulled the outer axle case. There was no noticeable metal shavings, and the bearings/gears look brand new. The ONLY thing I noticed was the large nut (reference # 120, part number 70650-11380) that locks the gear (ref # 130) onto the axle was loose. I could turn the nut by hand.

Does anyone know how tight this nut should be? (ft-lbs of torque?) I do not have a service manual, and the dealer won't give me the time of day. I do have a parts manual, and the breakdown is on page 109.

Thanks in advance for any input.

k

 

[kbota]

Update; Found that the torque requirement is 145 to 180 ft-lbs. Pulled the inner bearing, and torqued the nut to 175 ft-lbs. Was afraid the bearing was damaged as a result of removing it, and a new bearing was only $15, so we installed a new bearing. Cleaned everything up, and reinstalled the axle housing, then reinstalled fender, rops, etc...
After putting 8 gallons of new hydraulic oil in the rear axle, ....cranked it up, and checked things out. Quiet as a church mouse with no implement. I'll hook up the box blade tomorrow, and see if anything changes.
So far so good.

k