XUV Front End Rattle Noise

MaximizerMatt · Dec 31, 2007

Hello all,

Vics, thanks for posting a potential remedy. I found the set screw on my 2006 HPX and am about to re-adjust it. My HPX developed the front-end noise at less than 70 hours. Some here describe it as a rattle, which I can understand. On mine, it's like a recurring popping noise. Ours is a diesel and the noise is still noticeable over the gutsy Yanmar at virtually all speeds. So, I'm going to try your dealer's recommended adjustment. I will keep everyone posted on how it turns out.

Matthew

Kahuna · Jan 2, 2008

I have had 2 HPX's and both were very quiet. I bought the XUV around March when it first came out and it was a lot noisier right from the start, no specific noise but just a louder engine, exhaust and suspension. I head about the "rattle" but didn't think I had it. Then about 60 hours, I heard it. It sounded like a hunk of metal banging underneath like something wasn't fitting properly or about to fall off.

I took it to the dealer and he looked up the serial number. There was a service bulletin advising to adjust the front differential backlash which is where the drive shaft fits into the differential. I took it in, had it adjusted and brought it home. About an hour drive time later it started over again. I took it back and they adjusted it again. After an hour drive time it started again but a lot less noticeable. The service manager told me about the adjustment screw on the differential. He told me to back it off in very small increments until the noise was out. I have not driven it much since then because of the cold.

I received a call today from John Deere asking that I bring in my Gator. They are going to replace the entire front differential. This came out of the blue and I am appreciative that JD realizes there is a problem and is going to make good by it. Lets hope it works.

TOMMYHPX4X4 · Jan 2, 2008

must be a major problem with the front difs.i knew them 07's would have problems maybe the 08's would be better after they work out the kinks on all the 07'sthat people are demoing that they bought.

Skipholiday · Jan 2, 2008

The front end noise seems to be limited to very few vehicles.

The brake calipers were a bigger problem and they were isolated to less than 6000 (possible) units.

Mine is still running strong. It's driven almost dailey. More horsepower would be nice~!

MaximizerMatt · Jan 3, 2008

Kahuna,

I can relate. I backed-off the adjustment screw a few days ago, drove it around for about 15 minutes, no noise. A couple of days later, I got it out and rode it probably 100yds., and the noise came back, but now it's like a constant chattering. It's much quieter than the previous popping noise (I believe you described it as a "hunk of metal banging around underneath"), but is constant. I re-adjusted it yesterday, but the temperatures here in NC have prevented me from trying it out again. I wish our machine was still under warranty! I used to work at a Deere dealership, and I am impressed that JD contacted you about a replacement.

Matthew

TOMMYHPX4X4 · Jan 3, 2008

they gonna get it right one day i have a feeling the speed increase might have had something to do with the problems.i don't think they are able to or setup to take the 30mph 20mph25mph yes but 30mph you might be pushing things in the front end thats when i had problems with my front end on my hpx i had mine topping out at 29 almost 30 and the front shaft started givin problems i backed down on the speed and no more problems. i think it's a gearing thing myself.

Kahuna · Jan 3, 2008

I took my XUV to the dealership this morning to get the front differential replaced. The new differential was laying there is a box on the counter no bigger than a square foot. I asked him how much the differential cost (it is covered under warranty but I was curious) I about fell over when he checked, $1890 for the part plus whatever labor at $65 an hour.

I asked if JD admitted there was a problem. He said they formally didn't admit to anything but the service manager told the regional rep the problems I was having not being able to adjust out the noise. The rep told him to go ahead an order a new differential, they had to replace a few.

mikeyd · Jan 3, 2008

Kahuna said:
I took my XUV to the dealership this morning to get the front differential replaced. The new differential was laying there is a box on the counter no bigger than a square foot. I asked him how much the differential cost (it is covered under warranty but I was curious) I about fell over when he checked, $1890 for the part plus whatever labor at $65 an hour.

I asked if JD admitted there was a problem. He said they formally didn't admit to anything but the service manager told the regional rep the problems I was having not being able to adjust out the noise. The rep told him to go ahead an order a new differential, they had to replace a few.

$1890!!!! that is just crazy, not that the price of any OEM part for any of the UTV's are any more reasonable.

TOMMYHPX4X4 · Jan 3, 2008

yea das crazy i went and got my brushes today for my starter and they was 81.00 and i was lookin at a ski cap in hunters orange at walmart for .99 cents the other day and they sold out so when i was getting my part today i told the guy at john deere i was lookin for a orange ski cap he said they had some and he would cut me a deal . now this was made the same as the one at wal mart but it had the john deere logo on it 11.00 . but he said i could have it for 9.00 and the tax. i said noway i'll wait for the .99 cent ones at wallyworld. john deere is proud of thir parts and name.lol

MaximizerMatt · Jan 4, 2008

Got out and drove the Gator around yesterday (Burrrr!). The front end is now MUCH quieter, without the loud clunking noise. Now the chatter is even quieter and more intermittant, and with the Yanmar growling, it's barely noticeable. Turning the set screw on the front dif has been a easy fix (and money saver). Thanks Vics and all the rest for your suggestions.

Matthew