Creaking/cracking noise when lifting w/FEL

[jimgerken]

Here's a heads-up for you guys on a little problem I figured out. I was having a noise coming from the FEL or tractor frame, when lifting dirt. It sounded like a creaking or cracking sound. I suspected cracking metal, or loose loader frame mounting. So I took the loader frame off the tractor, checked all mounting bolts and found two just slightly loose, tightened them, looked over the tractor frame real well, really did not find anything. Greased the loader again and put it all back together. Tried it again and same thing, still creaking. Lubed tractor front end, tried again, still creaking. Then it hit me, the front axle pivot axle needed lube. I had never lubed it and it appeared the dealer missed it too. The tractor is just 60 hours old. So I lubed it , and then lifted the tractor front end with the loader and greased it again. Problem solved, no more noise.

 

[centex]

That's very interesting. My service manual does not say anything about lubing it. Does it have a zerk?

 

[jimgerken]

Yup, theres a single zerk, I think its near the front end of the big pin. We're talking about a JD4100 now, so remember that its made by Yanmar and the larger model John Deeres may be a different design. For clarity, this is the pin that the front end rocks on. Mine is 4wd, but a 2wd would have something similar, and should be greaseable.

 

[centex]

Mine is a US model but I am going to look for a zerk. I was supprised at how few grease fitting they had on the thing. There is a total of 5 on the tractor itself.