BX23 Front Axle Clicking

[FloridaGent]

The front axle on my 10-year old BX23 has decided to start clicking when the wheels are turned to the left and/or the right. I topped off the axle fluid and it still does it. (Hard to see the level of the clear fluid on the tiny dipstick.) To my laymen's ears, it sounds mechanical -- like bad bearings -- maybe one click per revolution.

Has anyone else experienced this? Any guesses as to what the problem could be? (All hoses and other parts are clear of the tires.)

BTW -- I feel for you guys in the FRIGID North! Hang in there!

Thank you,
FloridaGent

 

[sixdogs]

Make sure your lug nuts are tight and that no wheel or center is cracked. I've seen both happen over the years.

 

[Gator6x4]

The front axle on my 10-year old BX23 has decided to start clicking when the wheels are turned to the left and/or the right. I topped off the axle fluid and it still does it. (Hard to see the level of the clear fluid on the tiny dipstick.) To my laymen's ears, it sounds mechanical -- like bad bearings -- maybe one click per revolution.

Has anyone else experienced this? Any guesses as to what the problem could be? (All hoses and other parts are clear of the tires.)

BTW -- I feel for you guys in the FRIGID North! Hang in there!

Thank you,
FloridaGent

Start simple. Confirm the tractor is in two wheel drive. If not put in two wheel drive and see if the noise is still there. Check the lug bolts on both wheels. If they are tight, jack the front end up and spin the tires one at a time and see if you can detect which side the noise is coming from.

 

[bunyip]

Start simple. Confirm the tractor is in two wheel drive. If not put in two wheel drive and see if the noise is still there. Check the lug bolts on both wheels. If they are tight, jack the front end up and spin the tires one at a time and see if you can detect which side the noise is coming from.

CV joints, heard them on many cars and happened to me on a new 4WD, sounds like castanets at speed, messy but fairly easy fix if it is.
I had clicking on mine when it was brand new but it was the bracket holding the front hoses on the chassis mounted too far forward fouling on the R4's on a full lock (only on a right turn).
Pulled the hoses off a few times before snapping the bracket, was a dealer problem who put the brackets in the wriong place and sitting on the BX you couldn't see it happening as the deck blocked the view.

 

[dodge man]

Per se I don't think they have CV joints. Thee is kind of a knuckle on the end by the wheel but the correct term for it escapes me.

 

[bunyip]

I was just going by the 'ball' that holds the magic, I am not a mechanic and was just thinking of the noise they can make, universal joint?
The less scrupulous dealers just pack them with grease and hope they make it through warranty.

 

[FloridaGent]

Update-
I guess I had better do a better a job at inspection! I found today that the left wheel has only two of the four lug nuts!
The left wheel is also the one on which the dealer replaced the tire. Another wonderful service from my local Kubota dealer!

 

[bunyip]

I didn't know my dealer travelled that far, he only did mine once.
It is a sad state of affairs when I can see what an 'expert' has done wrong and I do not boast any extraordinary mechanical knowledge of tractors.