Clicking Noise......Any Ideas?

[TNhobbyfarmer]

This is probably going to be a difficult diagnosis, but maybe some of you guys might have ideas. I have a TN75 4wd. I am hearing a random clicking noise. I don't think it is an engine thing....sounds more like from the front steering/wheel area. It's not a steady click, click, click, but more of a random thing. I can hear it either driving the tractor or when someone else is on it. It is still under warranty so I can have it looked at by the dealer, but I think it is something fairly simple, so I would prefer not to lose use of it at the dealer service dept. Does anyone have any ideas? If so, please post......I'm open to all suggestions.

 

[BadDog]

Does it click in 4WD or in 2WD, or when changing from 4WD to 2WD or vice versa? Could be your ring&pinion getting ready to commit suicide. I've lost two sets already... and I heard intermittent clicks from the frond-end for a short while before I had real trouble.

Could be a lot of other things too...

...plastic ties can snap back and forth if they're hitting moving parts
...you could have something stuck in your rad fan
...rock in your tire tread or nail in your tire
...poorly lubed pins can click-click just before the retaining bolts snap off
...bent driveshaft cover

 

[RickB]

First thought is loose wheel hardware. Only valid if the noise is absent with tractor stationary. Closely examine or just retorque ALL the rim-to-disc and disc-to-hub hardware. Have not yet seen TN front axle troubles except for one hub seal leak. Look for the simple stuff first.