M7040 4WD Front Right Wheel makes popping sound

jsh12144

New member

Equipment
M7040 w/LA1153 Loader & New M135GX
Apr 14, 2014
4
0
1
Auburn, Kentucky
Hello everyone. I have a M7040 4WD with FEL and have recently noticed a popping sound coming from the front right wheel hub area. I have only heard it when I am backing up. I have checked the fluids on both sides and they are full and there is no sign of leaking fluid anywhere. Does anyone have any ideas on what it could be or anything else I can check? Thank you. -Josh
 

eserv

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Equipment
BX24, A1000 Kubota Generator
May 27, 2009
2,140
139
63
Hardisty, Alberta
Hello everyone. I have a M7040 4WD with FEL and have recently noticed a popping sound coming from the front right wheel hub area. I have only heard it when I am backing up. I have checked the fluids on both sides and they are full and there is no sign of leaking fluid anywhere. Does anyone have any ideas on what it could be or anything else I can check? Thank you. -Josh
loose bolts in the wheel will often make a popping sound particularly those bolts that attach the spider to the rim.
 

jsh12144

New member

Equipment
M7040 w/LA1153 Loader & New M135GX
Apr 14, 2014
4
0
1
Auburn, Kentucky
Thank you both for replying. So would you think that a bearing could have failed but since there is no oil leaking that the seals are intact and it be best to get it repaired ASAP? I've had this tractor 5 years and this is the first thing (knock on wood) that has ever caused me trouble.
 

rentthis

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Lifetime Member
May 30, 2012
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summerville,sc
First thing to check is the wheel lug bolts/nuts. Wheels being loose is a very common cause of popping. I hope that's all it is.
 

jsh12144

New member

Equipment
M7040 w/LA1153 Loader & New M135GX
Apr 14, 2014
4
0
1
Auburn, Kentucky
Had my local dealer pick up the tractor. After a few hours of them checking it out, they determined that it was the not either hub, but the popping noise was coming from the center differential where the 4WD shaft enters the front housing. They says this could become a PRICEY job really fast. Anyone have any thoughts or recommendations? Thanks!!
 

jsh12144

New member

Equipment
M7040 w/LA1153 Loader & New M135GX
Apr 14, 2014
4
0
1
Auburn, Kentucky
Had my local dealer pick up the tractor. After a few hours of them checking it out, they determined that it was the not either hub, but the popping noise was coming from the center differential where the 4WD shaft enters the front housing. They says this could become a PRICEY job really fast. Anyone have any thoughts or recommendations? Thanks!!
Ended up being the lug bolts being loose enough for them to shift when turning. Rotated the front wheels and tires and the sound followed. sprayed WD-40 on everything and then used an air ratchet and hammered everything tight. No popping sound now.
 

Dave_eng

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Lifetime Member

Equipment
M7040, Nuffield 465
Oct 6, 2012
5,227
1,012
113
Williamstown Ontario Canada
Ended up being the lug bolts being loose enough for them to shift when turning. Rotated the front wheels and tires and the sound followed. sprayed WD-40 on everything and then used an air ratchet and hammered everything tight. No popping sound now.
You need to frequently check the wheel that was making the popping sound. Often the tapered seat between the wheel hub and the securing nut or bolt is damaged and the wheel will loosen again.

Those mating surfaces are key to the wheel remained secured.

Dave
 

D2Cat

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L305DT, B7100HST, TG1860, TG1860D, L4240
Mar 27, 2014
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40 miles south of Kansas City
Seems like it would be a whole lot easier (and less expense) to check the lug nuts as suggested, before calling the dealer. If you come to a form and ask for advise, but don't take even the simple stuff, why bother asking any questions? Just curious.
 
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SDT

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multiple and various
Apr 15, 2018
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SE, IN
Ended up being the lug bolts being loose enough for them to shift when turning. Rotated the front wheels and tires and the sound followed. sprayed WD-40 on everything and then used an air ratchet and hammered everything tight. No popping sound now.
Bingo.

Always check wheel bolt torque first.

SDT
 

wgator

Active member

Equipment
L4701HST, FEL and other stuff.
Jul 28, 2018
482
147
43
NC
Ended up being the lug bolts being loose enough for them to shift when turning. Rotated the front wheels and tires and the sound followed. sprayed WD-40 on everything and then used an air ratchet and hammered everything tight. No popping sound now.
Thank-you for posting solution to your problem. May help others with same problem in the future.
 

SidecarFlip

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M9000HDCC3, M9000HD, Kubota GS850 Sidekick
Oct 28, 2018
7,197
554
83
USA
Never, never reef on the lug nuts with an impact wrench either. Use a torque wrench and tighten them to the required torque spec. It's in your owners manual, you might read it...
 

Pau7220

Well-known member

Equipment
L3650 GST, Landpride TL250 FEL w/ Piranha, 6' King Kutter, GM1084R Finish
Aug 1, 2017
785
278
63
Scranton, PA
Never, never reef on the lug nuts with an impact wrench either. Use a torque wrench and tighten them to the required torque spec. It's in your owners manual, you might read it...
Gotta go with Flip on this one... all day I install automotive wheels. Initial install with a 3/8" impact takes me to about 50 ft lbs. After road test every wheel gets hand torqued.
 

SidecarFlip

Banned

Equipment
M9000HDCC3, M9000HD, Kubota GS850 Sidekick
Oct 28, 2018
7,197
554
83
USA
Gotta go with Flip on this one... all day I install automotive wheels. Initial install with a 3/8" impact takes me to about 50 ft lbs. After road test every wheel gets hand torqued.

That isn't a bad idea, using a 3/8 impact for the initial fitup and then a torque wrench. I'll do just that next wheel time.