JD 5520 "Clutch Groan"

[fritz423b]

For the last few years had a noise coming from rear of JD 5520 when releasing clutch (clutch pedal up.) It is a groaning noise that stops once the tractor comes up to speed. Any gear, doesn't happen in neutral. No noise when clutch is depressed. Clutch works fine, but tends to engage quickly and doesn't seem to have a happy spot where I can ease it up without jerking.

The noise is best described as a Chewbacca sound. Maybe dragging a heavy anchor across the steel deck of a ship. I don't want to split my tractor or pay the shop if I don't have to.

 

[DLTrekkers]

Adj your clutchpedalfreetravel to get that happy spot with 40mm of freetravel.
Start your PTO at idle and not full revs

 

[fritz423b]

I've adjusted the pedal according to the manual. I'm not engaging the PTO when this occurs.

 

[DLTrekkers]

Freetravel on the PTO lever ?

 

[rScotty]

Which transmission does your 5520 have? I see three types: collar, syncro, & pwr reverser. All have a main clutch, the last two also have some additional automatic clutches for syncro and reversing. If your has the power shuttle (reverser) does it do it when F/R shuttling? Or just when using the foot clutch?

 

[fritz423b]

It's got the power reverser. The sound only occurs when letting off the foot clutch.

 

[rScotty]

OK. Glad it's got the power reverser - I never did like the manual style. I was thinking it could be the internal clutch pacs for the power reverser since that is how they work.... and sometimes they will be sensitive to a particular type of trans/hydraulic fluid...

But only happening with the foot clutch shoots down that idea.
What else could it be that isn't the main engine/transmission foot clutch? The noise you describe sounds like a friction surface against metal.
That only leaves the foot brakes, emergency hand brake, and a PTO brake - if it has one. Any chance any of those could be missing a return spring?

 

[fritz423b]

Interesting thought. I don't think that's it but I will check.

 

[jd110]

Check to be sure brakes aren’t dragging. Does it coast easily in neutral on slight incline? Problem will not be dry clutch mounted in flywheel. On power reverser, that clutch is for pto only. Does it make noise in forward and reverse?

 

[fritz423b]

I missed the last reply. I still have the issue and was planning on using the off season to fix it. The sound occurs when letting off foot clutch while in gear. Doesn't matter which range or gear, forward or reverse. PTO works fine and makes no noise.

 

[fritz423b]

Possibly a related issue: after running awhile foot brake stopping power is reduced and a similar noise occurs independent of foot clutch.

 

[fritz423b]

I'm inclined to remove a final drive and inspect the brakes first.

 

[Tx Jim]

Check to be sure brakes aren’t dragging. Does it coast easily in neutral on slight incline? Problem will not be dry clutch mounted in flywheel. On power reverser, that clutch is for pto only. Does it make noise in forward and reverse?

jd110
Can you please explain how this model with PR trans transmits power from flywheel to trans input shaft. I've searched 5520 parts & being unfamiliar with this model I can't locate this item. I agree clutch in link photo below is listed as the pto clutch.

 

[fritz423b]

We removed the final drives and replaced the brake discs and retractor springs last week. Brakes now working great but the problem continues.

To summarize: from standing still when you let off the clutch there is a load groan that seems to come from under the seat (but could be transmitted back from the clutch.) The tractor jerks forward, you can't ease it in smoothly. Clutch doesn't slip, no noise when clutch pushed in and once you get up to speed no issues.

I really hope I can get some feedback! Next step is to split the tractor and look at the clutch.

 

[Harry in Ky]

I've been following this from the beginning, not because I know anything about this transmission, more because I thought I might learn something.

After looking through some of the parts diagrams, it seems I know even less about it than I thought I did. This is a power reverser transmission, right? It has a mechanical directional control valve, operated with a lever and two cables? The clutch pedal controls an inching spool within that control valve, and there are no electronic components involved at all? That sounds like a carryover from 1980's technology, the sort of thing I remember from the first wet clutch pack tractors I ever worked on.

If that is indeed the case, I must assume you have looked at all the external parts of that package and found nothing suspicious? I wonder is the noise only present in forward and not in reverse?

 

[fritz423b]

I've been following this from the beginning, not because I know anything about this transmission, more because I thought I might learn something.

After looking through some of the parts diagrams, it seems I know even less about it than I thought I did. This is a power reverser transmission, right? It has a mechanical directional control valve, operated with a lever and two cables? The clutch pedal controls an inching spool within that control valve, and there are no electronic components involved at all? That sounds like a carryover from 1980's technology, the sort of thing I remember from the first wet clutch pack tractors I ever worked on.

If that is indeed the case, I must assume you have looked at all the external parts of that package and found nothing suspicious? I wonder is the noise only present in forward and not in reverse?

No. It is a syncshuttle, not a power reverser.

 

[fritz423b]

It's got the power reverser. The sound only occurs when letting off the foot clutch.

I don't know what I was thinking when I stated this. It is a syncshuttle transmission.

 

[Harry in Ky]

Well you realize that makes a great deal of difference for anyone trying to imagine what might be going on.

In that case, then by all means, split the tractor. I've heard a similar sound many times with dry clutch button disc plates. I believe it's occurs when the buttons wear down to a point where the metal jacket around and behind the buttons come into contact with the pressure plates. The sound comes while the disc and pressure plates are turning at different speeds, and disappears once the clutch is fully engaged. In this case the plate in question is the trapped disc, so you won't see it unless you dismantle the clutch assembly after removal.

 

[DLTrekkers]

Brakes...essemble the finaldrives with everything exept the gasket .tie up everything...then remove finaldrives and install again with the gasket ...then brakes will be ok !

 

[fritz423b]

Brakes...essemble the finaldrives with everything exept the gasket .tie up everything...then remove finaldrives and install again with the gasket ...then brakes will be ok !

Brakes are fine, just replaced them last week.