Problem kubota 4 wheel drive

[Runs With Scissors]

I agree with the above posts.......verify and make sure that's what wrong and exhaust all other options.

I sure hope you don't have to do the pinion; but if you do, you may want to seek out someone experienced to help you.

I could be totally off base here, BUT; If tractors are like cars and trucks, you have to replace the "ring and pinion" as a matched set, and set the proper "backlash" and "gear pattern" usually requiring a dial indicator set-up.

Also depending on the style of gear set, you will either have to shim it properly or replace the "crush sleeve" which requires an "indicator" style torque wrench in the "0 -100" inch pounds range( mine was quite pricey back in the day)

"ring and pinions" are not just "plug and play" (at least not on cars and trucks)

 

[D2Cat]

I would take the time to get the coupling free and out of the way before I'd tear into the front end. Those couplings are like shear bolt in an implement, they are the weak link. If the rear is free maybe you can wiggle it in all directions to loosen the front coupling. All the coupling is is a splined tube.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

To remove the axle:
Support front tractor frame.
Remove the 2 steering hoses.
Pull these eight bolts and nuts.

Pinion is easy:
Pull the seal and the snap ring and pull the pinion out.
If your still troubleshooting, you can pull the pinion and see the ring gear to inspect for damage.

Now pulling the ring well that's involved.
You'll need to pull the RH geaar case

Then you will pull the axle and differential out that side and replace ring.

 

[007kubotaguy]

I just replaced the pinion on a couple of these tractors. Kubota sells a kit with a new shaft and pinion. You don't have to replace the ring gear as a set like you do with most tractors. Have you checked oil levels in the front axle? Or you using gear oil?

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Well I guess I was "way off" on that one.

Good to know though.

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

Well I guess I was "way off" on that one.

Good to know though.

You were not way off. You gave a valid caution. I appreciated your comment about R and P rebuilds.

Having done many axle rebuilds on Jeeps and 4x4 trucks, I have the tools and know how complex it is.

I didn't think the same applied to tractors, simply because of RPM issues, but I wasn't sure.

EDIT: @007kubotaguy educated us both.

 

[cowgirl]

Hold on cowgirl!
You'll have some play in the pinion end.

Get the shaft and it's sleeve off, and use tractor in 2wd. Check for noise.

Then try it with shaft on only without the sleeve, in 2wd and 4wd. Check for noise.

Did you use new roll pins?

Did not use new roll pins. The front coupler will not release need to go ans buy a sliding hammer as I do not have one..what would using the old roll pins

 

[cowgirl]

What would the old roll pins cause?..as soon as I can remove the propeller shaft and drive it will let you know as driving it in 2WD there is no unusual sounds
Sorry about the slow answers as tak>no care of my Dad who has cancer..life is hard rt now. Did not need this problem with the tractor but I do have a M6800 2WD that I can use but with rain coming would be a blessing to have the 4WD running
Thanks for _your help

 

[cowgirl]

I just replaced the pinion on a couple of these tractors. Kubota sells a kit with a new shaft and pinion. You don't have to replace the ring gear as a set like you do with most tractors. Have you checked oil levels in the front axle? Or you using gear oil?

Checked oil it is full

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

Did not use new roll pins. The front coupler will not release need to go ans buy a sliding hammer as I do not have one..what would using the old roll pins

The roll pins, if old and weak, could slide out of the coupler and into the shield. Use new roll pins, everytime.

This could cause a screeching noise at the least. It could keep one from getting the shield off. And could keep one from getting to the roll pin. It could sieze the shield over the driveshaft and couplers and onto the front axle case. It might only make noise in forward because the roll pin is bent in a particular direction and lodged into the shield. In reverse it pops outward due to bend direction.

All hypothetical, of course, but it could explain this whole situation that you're having.

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

With all that being said. Now your talking about a slide hammer to get the front coupling off. !!!

Is the shield off?

Can you see the coupling? Can you see the front roll pin?

Did the coupling spin out of the grooves in the pinion splines?

I don't compare to Wolfman when it comes to Kubotas, so he is your best friend as far as repair goes. I respect that you have your hands full and take care of your dad. But if you could post pictures or video, and be as clear as possible, it will only help you the most.

 

[cowgirl]

With all that being said. Now your talking about a slide hammer to get the front coupling off. !!!

Is the shield off?

Can you see the coupling? Can you see the front roll pin?

Did the coupling spin out of the grooves in the pinion splines?

I don't compare to Wolfman when it comes to Kubotas, so he is your best friend as far as repair goes. I respect that you have your hands full and take care of your dad. But if you could post pictures or video, and be as clear as possible, it will only help you the most.

Right now the shield is still on the shaft the coupler into the front seems to have spun although went put on slid onto the splines with no problem but when Wolfman asked if the noise was coming from front middle or rear of the tractor as close as achievable to my hearing it seems to be coming from where the propeller shaft goes into the transmission..but the bind is where the shaft goes into the pinion that's where the coupling has been put in a bind tomorrow will have to remove the shield and shaft Wolfman asked if there was enough movement on the rear spline to remove shaft. Tried but not enough room

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

Right now the shield is still on the shaft the coupler into the front seems to have spun although went put on slid onto the splines with no problem but when Wolfman asked if the noise was coming from front middle or rear of the tractor as close as achievable to my hearing it seems to be coming from where the propeller shaft goes into the transmission..but the bind is where the shaft goes into the pinion that's where the coupling has been put in a bind tomorrow will have to remove the shield and shaft Wolfman asked if there was enough movement on the rear spline to remove shaft. Tried but not enough room

After removing the shield bolts, can you slide the front, or pinion end of the shield back and see the front coupler?

 

[cowgirl]

After removing the shield bolts, can you slide the front, or pinion end of the shield back and see the front coupler?

Yes

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

Yes

And the driveshaft will slide a little in the coupler, but the pinion side won't budge?

 

[cowgirl]

And the driveshaft will slide a little in the coupler, but the pinion side won't budge?

Yes..but still not enough room to drop the shaft..seems like the coupler is in a bind where it goes onto the pinion gear..thoughts about putting the tractor in 5ED in reverse might loosen up the coupler but then might screw up something worse. Will try and get the shaft off in the morn. THSNK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR HELP

 

[cowgirl]

Yes..but still not enough room to drop the shaft..seems like the coupler is in a bind where it goes onto the pinion gear..thoughts about putting the tractor in 4WD in reverse might loosen up the coupler but then might screw up something worse. Will try and get the shaft off in the morn. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR HELP

 

[D2Cat]

The coupling has probably been torqued (twisted) enough it won't slide. If you can get to that coupling I'd consider a 4" angle grinder with a cut-off wheel. Cut the length of the coupling, but be careful to not go through it. Then take a small chisel and split open the coupling. Then you can get it out of the way. You are probably going to be buying a new one for both ends anyway.

Post up some pictures so we can see what we're guessing at!!

 

[cowgirl]

The coupling has probably been torqued (twisted) enough it won't slide. If you can get to that coupling I'd consider a 4" angle grinder with a cut-off wheel. Cut the length of the coupling, but be careful to not go through it. Then take a small chisel and split open the coupling. Then you can get it out of the way. You are probably going to be buying a new one for both ends anyway.

Post up some pictures so we can see what we're guessing at!!

Got the shaft and sleeve off..there is play in the pinion gear. Have not taken it out as with the shaft removed then using just the coupler there is a small amount of play..upon examining the shaft there is a small amount of wear you have to really examine it closely to see it
Next pulling the pinion gear to examine for more damages
With the small amount of wear on the shafy what are your thoughts should I replace or not?..with the play in the pinion it could be the problem as this is all a new education
Any thoughts or input would be so very helpful!

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

Got the shaft and sleeve off..there is play in the pinion gear. Have not taken it out as with the shaft removed then using just the coupler there is a small amount of play..upon examining the shaft there is a small amount of wear you have to really examine it closely to see it
Next pulling the pinion gear to examine for more damages
With the small amount of wear on the shafy what are your thoughts should I replace or not?..with the play in the pinion it could be the problem as this is all a new education
Any thoughts or input would be so very helpful!

If it were my tractor, I'd do the following:

>I"d leave the front driveshaft (and shield) off for the following testing and diagnostics.

>I would not mess with the pinion yet. (There will be play in the pinion shaft, it's normal to a degree).

>I would drive the tractor in 2wd and also 4wd (with the front driveshaft OFF the tractor) and listen for noises. Noises from transmission side, the back side, in 4wd would indicate an issue there. Noises in the front axle in 2wd and 4wd would indicate a problem in the front axle.

>I'd use the loader to lift front axle. Spin it backwards and forwards. Listen for noise. I'd have a friend spin front wheels slowly while I put slight pressure on the center of the pinion shaft with my index finger... to feel anything abmormal thru it such as vibration or bumps.

>I'd DEFINITELY take pictures or video and post it here on OTT if I needed help.