JD 2040 Rockshaft gasket FAILED!

[Noah L]

Hello everyone!

This is my first post here on the forum, I've read through a bunch of threads the past few days and found some good information!

So I've somewhat taken over doing maintenance on our 1980 JD 2040 from my Grandfather and wanted to see if anyone could help me out with this new problem.

I was bush hogging a few days ago and was quickly disturbed by Hydraulic oil spraying out from the Rockshaft gasket on the right side, below the seat. I got the tractor back to the shop and am about to start taking everything apart to replace the gasket.

Has anyone done this repair before? Anything I should watch out for, and any tips to make things go smoothly? I'm hoping that it wont be too complex to get the Rockshaft cover off, looks like a bunch of bolts and got to take the rear lift arms loose etc.

For entertainment purposes, I will (hopefully) add a video of it spraying fluid everywhere!

Thanks, Noah L

 

[beenthere]

:welcome: to TBN

https://partscatalog.deere.com/jdrc/search/type/model/term/2040

Pick your model at this site to see the parts you will encounter. If I recall correctly on other rockshaft threads (hope you found them), you may want a lift to get the cover off.. but have not "beenthere".

also may help
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-ag-tractors/335217-jd-1640-2040-2240-rockshaft.html

 

[Noah L]

Thank you for the links!

That part catalog is a life saver, it literally took me several hours of research plus calling 2 different John Deere dealers to find the right gasket.
I see from the other thread (which i read a few days ago) that it is recommended to replace the washer T17882 as well.

Question: What should be done about the pieces of gasket that have inadvertently fallen into the center area? I don't think this gasket has ever been replaced and it is being a royal PAIN to remove and clean. I'm assuming it would be a good idea to flush out this whole area/system, but should I try and clean it now before re-assembly, wait and let the screens catch it once it's back together, or both?

And finally, do I have to put the HY-GARD JD fluid back in it or is there another (cheaper) brand that is ok to use? Also anyone know quantity? (I have search through the book yet)

Thanks!

 

[Tx Jim]

I would venture to guess that the same design rockshaft gasket although possibly made from updated materials will fit many different JD utility tractor models.

 

[Zebrafive]

I agree replace any O-ring, packing, or washer that is disturbed with new.
Try and remove what gasket material you can from the sump. The sump screen will stop the bigger pieces, what gets through it will then go through the transmission pump, then to the transmission filter.
How long has to been since the hydraulic oil & filter has been changed? This is the time to clean the sump screen (when hydraulic oil is drained). If it's time for full fluid, filter change, run it few hours than change fluid, filter and clean the sump screen.
I would stick with JD HyGard rather than try and save a few bucks.
My JD 2030 takes 10 gallons of HyGard. 5 gallon buckets are the best buy. I assume your 2040 will also take 10 gallons.

 

[Noah L]

Thanks for the replies!

Yep I'm getting the washer tomorrow from the JD dealer, upon further thought the gasket broke right beside the washer so it could be a combination of both going bad.

I do believe it is due for a hydraulic oil and filter change (if not well overdue). My plan is to do exactly what you said. Clean everything up as best I can, try and get all the gasket material out, then put it all back together and run it for a few hours, THEN do a full drain/filter replace/sump cleaning. I'm planning to grab some HyGard tomorrow while I'm at the dealer. It looks like it's almost 8 gallons needed to drain and refill (the book did say it was around a 10 gallon system when hydraulic oil is first put in).