Anyone ever replaced the parking pawl on a John Deere 5420?

[GaryBDavis]

I think the parking pawl is broke on my 5420. Something is broke for sure. It won't hold in park. This is the power reverser transmission. I've checked the cable and I can see it moving the level on the top side of the transmission. So, I'm afraid its something inside - between the linkage and the pawl itself. I've looked through the parts diagram and ordered the JD repair manual from ebay. I might get lucky and be able to fix it by removing the top access plate to the transmission. The local John Deere dealer gets 30 to 35 hours to do this repair and they split the tractor to do it.

It's been like this for several months now and the tractor still drives just fine. I don't use it in MFWD cause I can hear a slight noise when engaged. I've heard there is not much room in the tranny and if the broken part gets in the gears, I'm looking at real serious money to fix it.

As it is now, I'm looking a about $3500 or so for the JD dealer to fix it. There are a couple of good local transmission mechanics that would do it, but they want to see a manual first. So, trying to decide if I take it to the local JD dealer or hire a mechanic to do it in my shop. I have what I need to split it. Just don't know if I should bite the bullet and haul it to JD and pay through the nose.

Gary

 

[joecdeere]

I have PDF's of the tech manuals you're welcome to, shoot me your email if wanted

Joe

 

[GaryBDavis]

I have PDF's of the tech manuals you're welcome to, shoot me your email if wanted

Joe

Dang, I just ordered the CD. Still, if you have a few moments and can pinpoint the section for the parking pawl, yes, please send it to me.

Thanks,
Gary

 

[joecdeere]

section #50-15-3 in tm2048 manual, there are two manuals used with this tractor, the second is a test procedures manual tm2049, sending it along too

Joe

 

[GaryBDavis]

Looks like you can get to the parking pawl through the side access plate. Still not sure if the broken parts can be replaced without splitting the transmission from the rear differential but at least I can inspect it from there.

Thanks again,
Gary

 

[GaryBDavis]

Here is the conclusion to this story. Parking pawl was indeed broke off. The two big pieces made their way to the back and bottom of the transmission where they stayed for about a year while I continued to drive the tractor without any more damage. However, a couple of smaller pieces got ground up in the transmission. I had to replace the A range drive shaft and one other gear. They worked just fine and I probably could have gotten by, but if you are going to split a tractor, might as well do it right. The platform with the seat, ROPS and dash came off as one piece and had to be lifted off the tractor. Then it was split at the rear of the transmission where it joins the rear end. Parts, including parking pawl, gears, new O-rings for all the lines and gaskets came to $1200. Labor was $2000 so it ended up being a $3200 repair.

As to how it broke, well the tractor was being driven by someone other than me. They said "it just broke" but I'm sure it was jammed into park before it was fully stopped. That's how they break.

Gary

 

[GaryBDavis]

And some pictures. This is not a simple repair. I hired an experienced transmission mechanic to do the work. Took him the better part of two weeks although he was doing some other things during that time.

 

[jimmysisson]

At first glance that casting broke in its thickest portion. But the thing is full of cavities! I imagine you'll be gentle with it from here on in. Thanks for the follow-up.
Jim

 

[Grandude]

I just got my estimate back from my local John Deere dealer for replacing the parking pawl on a 5420. Now that I have recovered from shock, I can type again. Exactly $6,000! Funny how "miscellaneous charges" made it come out to exactly 6,000. The pawl is $117, all parts together are $519.42, labor $5,200.

 

[Granthol]

I haven’t but holy crap. $6000? I think I’d be looking for a second estimate. My guess is that is a...we don’t really want to do this work, price.