The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

Hi guys,

After the last preparation for Thursday's tractor tour, I made a final test run this evening.
Suddenly I heard a cracking/squeaking sound from the rear wheel/axle during driving.

Lately I mounted wheel weights, so I thought the bolts were fastened too tight.
But then again, that wouldn't make a noise during driving? I didn't see any cracks in the weights from the outside.

My next bet is a broken bearing.
The seal/gasket on the right wheel has been leaking since I have the tractor (6 years).
I have been using my tractor for some sand moving (about 750 kg/1650 lbs) with my rear loading bucket a few weeks ago, so I guess the bearing was already
weak and broke during that job?

Do you have any other thoughts about this issue?
Should replace the bearing on the left wheel as well?

I guess it's better not to drive 80 miles with my tractor at this stage?

Bad luck Pascal,

Try to lift the side of the noisy rear wheel and turn it by hand. Listen and feel what happens. You can use a screw driver and put it against the metal and your ear while someone else turns it over.

Hi
This might be a stupid answer , But does your tractor have rear wheels with movable dishes/ centers.( not the fixed type for 14x30 tyres) I have seen the outer lug bolts on these come a little slack in the past and that could cause a cracking or other type noise as the wheel turns and the weight shifts on the center .
Regards Robert

@ Henk
Thank you for the advice!

@Robert
Thank you for your advice! I do have moveable dishes.
I'll check the bolts, although I am afraid the solutions isn't that simple in this case, since the "rythm" of the cracking sound is slower
than the speed of which the (outer side of the) wheels spin.
But let's hope this is the solution...it would be the easiest!

Make sure that all the lug bolts and clamps that hold any part of the wheel on are tight also. If anything is loose, it makes a bunch of awful sounding noises. Dandy Dave!

Hi Robert & Dave,

You were completely right!
The bolts were quite loose indeed, especially the bolts from the right rim.
I was quite shocked to be honest, since I used spring washers. Is this a common problem?
I guess I should check them a couple of times per year?

I didn't get a chance to take my tractor for a spin, but I will do that tomorrow.
I'll keep you updated.

If paint was between the mounting surfaces, it will wear, and thus, loosen the bolts. Usually they will tighten and be OK after several runs, and go arounds at it. Dandy Dave!

pffffffffff

henk wrote:pffffffffff

.... ..... ... Dandy Dave!

Pascal wrote:Hi Robert & Dave,

You were completely right!
The bolts were quite loose indeed, especially the bolts from the right rim.
I was quite shocked to be honest, since I used spring washers. Is this a common problem?
I guess I should check them a couple of times per year?

I didn't get a chance to take my tractor for a spin, but I will do that tomorrow.
I'll keep you updated.

I Hope the test drive went ok I have had quite a few different color tractors through the shop with this problem it can be on back wheels and fronts if a loader is fitted, It happens with new machines too if guys don't do the checks after the first few hours use . The last one I did the fronts had been so loose the lugs where worn 1/4" into the dish The guy was lucky the wheel didn't fall off

I guess I have been lucky with the majors, I have only had one tractor in the 24 years I have been working on them that the bearing collapsed on completely. all I have had to do is change seals .
Regards Robert

Hi pascal, i had exactly the same thing happen to me because I replaced all the nuts and bolts as the originals were very rusty. I managed to find some new bolts, I think an M16 thread, with a shoulder. I ended up putting nylocks nuts on, and really wrenched them up tight with my gun, had no problems since!

Hi guys,

Tightening the bolts solved the problem!
I had a great tour with my tractor yesterday.
Thank again for your advice!


@Nick,
I changed replaced the bolts and nuts on my tractor as well....about 5 years ago.
I'll have to check if the holes of the bolts are still round.