Pivot Bolt

[BillyP]

On my JD 4610 there's a bolt that runs through the metal part where the front axle pivots. Here while back I noticed this bolt loose (the bolt has a lock nut on it). I snugged it up and tightened the lock nut.

My questions are...
1) What is this bolt for?
2) How does this pivot point get lubrication?

 

[JerryG]

Billy,
If you are speaking about the same bolt that I think you are. It is the fore and aft float adjustment for the front axle. Do you have a shop manual to check? I think that most are required to have a float of 4-12 thousandths. It there is more, the axle bushing will wear real fast.

 

[BillyP]

Jerry, what you said does make sense. I don't have a shop manual so I guess I'll call my service manager and see what he says. All I know is I could turn this bolt with my fingers.

So I guess this bushing isn't made to be lubricated?

Thanks

 

[JerryG]

Yes, I would definitely check it out. It could cause some down time if left to long. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[beenthere]

If it has a lock nut, it may be meant to be 'loose' somewhat. Tightening it may make it bind.

Do you have a pic? I think I know what you are referring to. I have the CD manual that may cover it, and will look up the specs (would be for the 4400, not the 4410, but suspect they are similar if not the same).

 

[BillyP]

beenthere, I don't have a pic at the moment and it's raining right now. If I get a chance later I'll take one.

If your looking directly at the middle of the front axle, there's a cross member in front. This bolt is in the very center of this cross member. It looks to be a 5/16 with a jam nut. If you can find it in your manual, I'd appreciate it.

 

[beenthere]

I found it for the 4600. Referring to page titled "4-WD Front Axle Housing Component Location" and shows a detailed drawing of the Axle Housing, Differential cover (rear side of axle housing), axle support (front side of axle housing), and the bolt that goes through the center (as you described).

In the torgue specs, this bolt is referred to as the
"Differential Carrier to 4-WD Housing Cap Screw" and is to be torgued to 45-50 lb-ft. There is a footnote on this line, that says "cap screw size and torque values may increase on later models".
Behind this nut is a spacer, seal, o-ring, bearing cone, bearing cup and shim (as required). Thought this would be helpful to understand what the bolt is doing and why the torque specs.

If I figure out how to copy these two pages from the CD, I will post it. There are 722 pages for the 4600 series.

 

[beenthere]

The torque spec page is attached.

I'm surprised, with this nut being loose, that there wasn't some oil leakage, as the axle pivot is 'lubricated' with the oil in the housing. Check the oil level (I found mine to be low, and was surprised with just a few hours on the tractor) in the front axle housing too.

(I remembered to use "Print Screen" button to capture image, and then paste it in the photo software to save it as a jpg file, which I can post. Laid it in landscape to get more on the page).

 

[BillyP]

OK, I got a pic. As you can see, the bolt from your manual looks to be in the same place as I'm referring to. The only thing is, instead of a washer, mine has a jam nut. Also it still sticks out an inch or so when snugged up.

I'm wondering if they changed something there, between the 4600 and 4610?

I appreciate you going to all the trouble to look this up.

 

[beenthere]

Okay. I wondered what mine looked like, and just came back in from looking at the 4300. Same as what you have, and the lock nut was loose as well as the bolt. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
I finger tightened it against whatever it goes against (??) and snugged the nut finger tight. Appears to be an adjustment possibly against a bearing, but tomorrow I will find out from my dealer. I also will look closer at the CD I have and try to decipher that additional bolt. The drawing I sent seems to show that bolt with a washer, extending through to the nut on the other side. But that can't be what really is happening. In the drawing there is no lock nut shown.

Will search further and get back.