I was checking over my 3215 today and I noticed there was a slight space on the bottom of where the front axle bolts to the bevel gear on the right side. There are six bolts with 14mm heads and lockwashers. When I got my wrench I was suprised to find them all in need of tightening. Especially the bottom two. When I checked the left side they were all tight. I only have 120 hrs on the tractor so just wanted to let the 15 series guys know to check your bolts. (sound like Mario Andretti---"check your tires") I'm also curious if I should reomove the bolts and apply some thread compound and if so what color or strength? Also, couldn't find a specific torq figure for these? You rarely see lock washers used in autos because of vibration, curious to see them everywhere on tractors.
Loose bolts on 3215
- Thread starter MrChris
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AchingBack
Veteran Member
Yes, remove the bolts, apply thread lock, and tighten. I looked in my 2615 manual, and saw no specs for front axle bolts. My guess is you need a good bit of torque in that area of the tractor.
Sergei
Gold Member
I also checked my factory 2815/3215 service manual for torgue specs for the front MFD assembly and there is no information on much to tighten the bolts. Maybe this explains the use of so many lock washers.
I've checked my bolts at 50 hrs but the ideal of using thread lock compound got by me so it looks like I need to buy a large bottle of thread lock.
I've checked my bolts at 50 hrs but the ideal of using thread lock compound got by me so it looks like I need to buy a large bottle of thread lock.
DavesTractor
Elite Member
The right side hub is installed in the USA at whatever facility did the final assembly. The left side hub is installed in Japan. They do this so the crate can be narrower and they can get 16 of these in a 40' container. So if you have a right side only issue, it is possible that it did not get tightened properly during final assembly. This sort of issue seldom happens, but people are people and mistakes can happen. Tighten them up, perhaps put a drop of blue locktite on each and you are good to go.
Torque is 29-33 lb ft. There is one bolt that is special as it is a dowel bolt. Same torque. I hope this helps.
Torque is 29-33 lb ft. There is one bolt that is special as it is a dowel bolt. Same torque. I hope this helps.
DavesTractor
Elite Member
MrChris said:
Good job keeping an eye on things. Also check the loader bolts, frame bolts and wheel lug bolts occasionally. Just like regularly checking fluids and filters, it is a part of owning a piece of equipment.
Sergei
Gold Member
DavesTractor said:
Question for you Dave, did you find this information in the service manual or was it in a service bulletin?
DavesTractor
Elite Member
Sergei said:
Neither, we are the distribution center in the west, so I have the Mitsubishi assembly instruction CD for the 15 series models. It is not available to the general public as it has no use other than initial assembly.
AchingBack
Veteran Member
If that CD has torque specs on it, then it would be very useful to us 15 series owners. I believe a complete owners manual should contains the specs for every bolt on the tractor, and I don't believe that is a lot to ask.DavesTractor said:
DavesTractor
Elite Member
AchingBack said:
It only has torque specs for the various items installed during final assembly. This is a relatively small list of items. Seat, steering wheel, top of roll bar, right hub, three-point arms, battery, etc.
A service manual on the other hand, should have torque specs. When in doubt, there are torque charts for grade and size of bolts and seldom is any other torque specified. Rods, mains, cylinder heads, flywheel bolts, etc are critical and specific, but in most other places you will find the charts will be right on the money.