1977, B7100, front driveshaft looseness

[procraftmike]

I have noticed play in the front driveshaft. At first, I assumed I had a bad u-joint. But after further inspection, there appears to be play between each of the 2 upper yokes and the splines. There is a little play at each yoke, which adds up when you factor in both on top and possibly both on the bottom. The yokes are held onto the shaft by a single roll pin.

Should I be concerned about this play? Is there an easy fix for it? The u-joints appear to be just fine. I assume I have the same issue on the lower end of the shaft as well, as the parts listing shows the same arrangement.

This tractor is built like a small tank, but I can't same I'm impressed with the front driveshaft arrangement.

 

[procraftmike]

Bump....no one has has dealt with this issue or noticed it?

 

[85Hokie]

Bump....no one has has dealt with this issue or noticed it?

Mike,

you got me worried......gonna have to "check mine" to see what cha talking about !

 

[Lil Foot]

Recently rebuilt my front axle & didn't have any play I would consider excessive for a 37yr old machine. I will check it next time I see it, but it's 150 miles from here now.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Probably play from worn coupler / shaft splines.
You could change the couplers for cheap enough and see if that takes the play out of it.

 

[procraftmike]

It is hard to say if the wear is in the yoke (coupler) splines or the shaft splines. I have no idea if one is of a harder material than the other to limit wear on one of the items. I suspect the splined shafts are probably hardened, not sure on the couplers. I think if there were 2 roll pins installed, 90 degrees from each other, it would help combat the "teeter totter" affect that probably developed over time. My guess is it would be a real pita trying to drill for additional roll pins though.

I guess I will have to drive out the roll pins and disassemble the shaft to investigate further. Changing the couplers doesn't appear that difficult. The splined shafts on both ends would be a different story.

 

[ironpony]

IMO it is a tractor which goes 3 mph, there probably is no issue. I will check mine to see if it is the same as yours.