1999 NH TC29DA Front End Dropped

Brianslink · Jan 15, 2019

1999 New Holland TC29DA with 7308 Loader. The front nose of the tractor dropped down about 2 inches when I had the bucket loaded with gravel. After emptying the bucket the tractor nose still sits down too low. The engine is now 2 closer to the front axle. When I turn, the front hydraulic steering rams make contact with the front axle and sheared off the axle dipstick tube. Also, when turning sharp with the SUPERSTEER the front axle makes contact with the tractor frame and is actually wearing the through the cast axle housing. The battery pan is actually touching the top of the axle pumpkin and wearing through both the pan and the cast iron pumpkin.
If I roll the loader bucket down onto the ground I can lift up the nose of the tractor back to its normal position with good axle clearance. Roll the bucket back up and the tractor front end returns down too far. After power washing and pulling it into the shop I checked the tractor frame from front to back...it痴 not broken or cracked anywhere. It痴 something else. What I知 thinking is that the problem lies in the articulating front end bearing and bearing housing located just behind the front axle. There is a bearing cover/dust cap located just behind the front axle that protrudes into the lower engine compartment. It is a large bearing and bearing housing and it looks all worn. Does anyone know about this type of repair? The bearing appears to be pushed through the housing, but I知 not sure if that痴 actually supposed to be that way or not. The bearing and housing are about $600 for the parts alone. I知 not even sure if this could be the cause. Any insight would be appreciated.

Eddie1955 · Jan 15, 2019

Brianslink said:
1999 New Holland TC29DA with 7308 Loader. The front nose of the tractor dropped down about 2 inches when I had the bucket loaded with gravel. After emptying the bucket the tractor nose still sits down too low. The engine is now 2 closer to the front axle. When I turn, the front hydraulic steering rams make contact with the front axle and sheared off the axle dipstick tube. Also, when turning sharp with the SUPERSTEER the front axle makes contact with the tractor frame and is actually wearing the through the cast axle housing. The battery pan is actually touching the top of the axle pumpkin and wearing through both the pan and the cast iron pumpkin.
If I roll the loader bucket down onto the ground I can lift up the nose of the tractor back to its normal position with good axle clearance. Roll the bucket back up and the tractor front end returns down too far. After power washing and pulling it into the shop I checked the tractor frame from front to back...itç—´ not broken or cracked anywhere. Itç—´ something else. What IçŸ¥ thinking is that the problem lies in the articulating front end bearing and bearing housing located just behind the front axle. There is a bearing cover/dust cap located just behind the front axle that protrudes into the lower engine compartment. It is a large bearing and bearing housing and it looks all worn. Does anyone know about this type of repair? The bearing appears to be pushed through the housing, but IçŸ¥ not sure if thatç—´ actually supposed to be that way or not. The bearing and housing are about $600 for the parts alone. IçŸ¥ not even sure if this could be the cause. Any insight would be appreciated.

Find a friend who can roll the bucket while you watch and see where it is moving 2 inches then you will know where the slack is. Several things could possible cause this but you already know how much it is moving so you need to

ruffdog · Jan 15, 2019

Supersteer is a bit different how the whole thing moves. The tie-rods that go to each front wheel are just connected to the frame. The entire front axle swings side to side and the pivot point is under the engine. You can't just block it up and drive it because the axle must go side/side to steer. Get it in a work area, use the loader to lift the front tires off the ground, and block under the frame right under the grill. The weight will be off the axle now. Then you can use a floor jack under the axle to lift a small bit and wiggle it to look at the axle pivot. Replace worn or broken parts.

RickB · Jan 15, 2019

The upper spherical bearing that supports the axle is junk. If you are lucky, the supports are not.

Brianslink · Jan 15, 2019

Yes, the front axle pivot point under the engine contains a large bearing and bearing housing. Both parts are worn excessively..it appears the bearing has pushed through the bearing housing. I知 having trouble identifying the correct position of the bearing to confirm if the bearing is actually out of its correct position due to wear. Would a worn bearing and bearing housing cause the front end to sit lower than it痴 supposed to? After looking at exploded parts diagrams I am left even more confused because while all parts are identified, there is no diagram showing correct position of parts when assembled.