B1502 - Clanking noise when slow in 2WD

[vauxhall]

Hey folks,

having learned a lot here, now experiencing first problems. Tractor makes a clanking metallic sound every few seconds when driving forward slowly in 2WD on a rough surface. No sound to be heard when on a flat surface at higher speed or when in 4WD. Noise emerges from somewhere between front axle and clutch housing and is not rev related. Might take her to the dealer to have it fixed but I am interested in what may be the issue.

Thanks for any thoughts!
Tom

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Hey folks,

having learned a lot here, now experiencing first problems. Tractor makes a clanking metallic sound every few seconds when driving forward slowly in 2WD on a rough surface. No sound to be heard when on a flat surface at higher speed or when in 4WD. Noise emerges from somewhere between front axle and clutch housing and is not rev related. Might take her to the dealer to have it fixed but I am interested in what may be the issue.

Thanks for any thoughts!
Tom

That really could be a multitude of issues, simplest being a loose Drive shaft shield, check that.

 

[rentthis]

Loose wheel lugs?

 

[whitetiger]

Set the parking brake, jack one front wheel up off the ground. Roll the elevated tire forward until it stops then reverse until it stops. You should be able to hear and see what is making the noise. Most likely the prop shaft shield as NIW stated or a failed u joint on the prop shaft.

 

[vauxhall]

Thanks for your thoughts. Will check during weekend and report back.

 

[vauxhall]

Well, no more clanking. After loosening the front u joint housing and checking the joint there was just minimal axial play and all seemed tight, in place and well greased. Put everything back together, changed air filter, installed a quick coupling for the battery charger and took her for a test drive. The clanking was gone. No idea why because every bolt I loosened was super tight before and is now. Bonus question: which purpose serves the screw that enters the joint housing sideways?

Thanks again, Tom.

Edit: sorry for rotating your screens, took the picture correctly but obviously it is not WYSIWYG.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

The plug is to drain water out, that's a design fall back from rice fields.

If the noise returns after use, look to the rear of the shield, sounds like in moving it you might have reseated the rear bushing.