L3430 gaining camber?

[Glenelg tractor guy]

I have reviewed the threads for camber, and seem to have a different issue with my L3430, as it appears to be gaining positive camber on the front right, while the left wheel appears to be pretty much straight up and down. Yesterday when pushing some heavy ice crusted snow down the laneway there appeared to be some vibration from somewhere, and I wondered if I heard a whirring sound at times, but the tractor was working hard. Ever noticed how one becomes more sensitive, when something doesn't look right! When putting the front end up on the loader, I can't appreciate any slap anywhere, everything feels very tight. Thoughts appreciated, and to one and all a Happy Healthy Orange 2014.

 

[Milo Holroyd]

Try taking the weight off the tire a small amount at a time. Give it a *wiggle test* each time. You may find as you get close to the original amount of camber you can get considerable *wiggle*.

 

[lsmurphy]

2W or 4W?

Pics?

 

[Glenelg tractor guy]

I should have noted that the tractor is a 4 wheel drive, so camber should be fixed. I have enclosed two pictures that should help with the visual. I can't get any wiggle anywhere. If there is a bearing gone or something worse, would you not expect the camber to go the other way, with the top of the tire going towards the tractor? Thoughts appreciated.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

It's possible that there is a camber adjustment on it and for some odd reason it's moving.
Either get a service manual (excellent choice for down the line) or take it in and have it looked at.

From looking at the pics I really don't see it off on camber (but in person it might look more drastic, if you put a level against the side with little to no weight on the tire and it's off then it's off. It might be that the toe in is also causing it to be off more than normal.

Normally I would say, the only way I can see for it to gain camber is if you power slid it sideways into a curb or something else unmovable. Even then I think the rim would give before the axle assembly.

 

[Glenelg tractor guy]

Your right it does look worse in person, but if you look at the second picture it kinda tells the story. I am sure I can get a better picture. I have never body slammed the tractor, but I really got stuck last winter, blowing out the neighbours laneway. I ended up down a grade in a white out, and had to get out with the loader, and a heavily grunting Chevy half ton. The camber appears to be getting worse over the past week or two. We live in a part of the world that is really having winter this year. For example we are expecting another 6" of snow tonight. I really hate to be without the tractor, as my wife is getting real good at pulling out the "Girl Card", but I don't want to do any further damage either. The Kubota dealer is about 3/4 hour away, probably best to have him come and get it and put a second mortgage on the kids and dogs. Thanks.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Looked over the schematics for your tractor doesn't look like there is a camber adjustment.
There is a three bearing setup in there, and if one of the bearings is bad then it can get out of proper alignment. When lifting the wheel off the ground to check it for something loose you wouldn't be able to tell as the other 2 bearings will not let it "rattle" or appear worn or damaged.
And that would cause it to shake, vibrate or pulsate as one of the shafts or gears is getting bent or binding to make up for the under load play.

 

[Glenelg tractor guy]

Thanks Wolfman, that makes a lot of sense. I guess I had better get it taken in before something else gets wrecked. What do you think are the chances of the other side doing the same thing soon? At $89/hr each way to pick it up, and a $89/hr shop labor rate, am I better to have them do both sides, and not go through this again for a while. I would think it doesn't take long to change the bearings in a nice warm shop, with the proper puller. Behave yourself on New Years eve.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

It might not hurt, I know I would do it.

Oh yea I'll be good on New Years Eve, we stay home and stay warm, much safer that way!
Besides it takes me awhile to catch the wife chasing her around the house, makes for a fun evening!

 

[MagKarl]

What are you using for a camber reference, the tractor or the axle? Our tractors have center pivot front axles, so depending where the tractor is parked, the camber will appear different from side to side. The reason I ask is your pics are taken from above, not from the front. If you aren't feeling slop anywhere, try parking it on concrete and measuring the angle relative to the ground on both sides. Use a framing square or something similar to gage the difference.

 

[lsmurphy]

What are you using for a camber reference, the tractor or the axle? Our tractors have center pivot front axles, so depending where the tractor is parked, the camber will appear different from side to side. The reason I ask is your pics are taken from above, not from the front. If you aren't feeling slop anywhere, try parking it on concrete and measuring the angle relative to the ground on both sides. Use a framing square or something similar to gage the difference.

Correct.............

 

[bmisch01]

the only way that the camber can change is if the bearings are bad at hte knuckle if you are certian its getting worse pull it apart

 

[Glenelg tractor guy]

Good idea, and I have done that. I have on several occasions put it on flat ground, and tried to get the steering perfectly " square " to the tractor. Invariably the right side is showing more camber than the left, and this appears to be worsening with time.

 

[Bluegill]

If any of the bearings were bad enough to effect camber, you'd be leaking oil.

What you have here is a tropical delusion.

 

[MagKarl]

I'm not trying to be a smartass here, but have you taken any careful measurements, or are you going by "appears"? Actual dimensions, and the change in those dimensions over time would be pretty conclusive evidence.

Any chance your tire pressure is fading on that side?

 

[Glenelg tractor guy]

It is leaking oil, not a huge run but a bit, with more on the affected side. I had to add about 1/2 quart in the past 3 months. it is -30 here this morning, so not much of anything is leaking. I have used a steel straightedge and a digital angle instrument to measure the angle using the outside of the rim. The affected side is only about 2 degrees different, but when you look at it, it is huge. Tire pressures are the same.

 

[Bluegill]

You might have some bearing issues then.

Are you using a loader with no counter weight on the 3 pt hitch? That will sure kill a front end!

 

[lsmurphy]

You might have some bearing issues then.

Are you using a loader with no counter weight on the 3 pt hitch? That will sure kill a front end!

Yep......................

 

[Glenelg tractor guy]

I do use the loader (a lot) with no weight on the back end. Having said that it is usually either firewood, or snow, maybe a couple of hundred pounds. I did move a pile of gravel with it about 2 years ago, but the change in camber appears pretty recent. Maybe things just caught up to me. I am going to visit with the dealer this morning to arrange a pick up. Is their any point in having them pull both sides apart to make sure everything is good? It will probably cost me $100 each way to have them pick it up and then deliver it back, so if the other side is going to cause issues in a year or so, why not do both sides now? I appreciate everybody's help, and will post the findings. Go orange, or go home. You guys must love Halloween.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

If they get into the "bad" side and it does have a bad bearing, they I would have them do the other side too!

I would have them replace all three bearings and seals.