John Deere 345 - upper transmission area noise

   / John Deere 345 - upper transmission area noise #1  

clevvernet

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Tractor
John Deere 345
I have 345 which has been a wonderful machine 1100 hrs. I maintain it well, and just recently changed the transmission fluid; I normally do this job from the bottom but decided to do it from the top by removing the seat pan, I found it to be much easier. While I had access to the top side I washed off the gunk with degreaser and a water hose. After starting the tractor I hear a bearing going out sound from the upper portion of the transmission, I have just removed the seat pan again and started it to attempt to pin point the sound. It seems to be coming from either the top of the transmission to the pulley just forward of that. Seem very odd to me that this started right after I changed the fluid, I've check and doubled checked the level and it seems fine and assume the washing would have nothing to do with it but wanted to provide all the details I have.

Great forum, thanks in advance.

Brent
 
   / John Deere 345 - upper transmission area noise #2  
While I had access to the top side I washed off the gunk with degreaser and a water hose.

That would be my first guess... that it caused a problem. But know nothing more than that.. there are lots of parts that could make some noise..

I'd first look at some debris dislodged and caught under a moving part.. then look at bearings. good luck, others may pinpoint the problem quicker.

:welcome: to TBN
 
   / John Deere 345 - upper transmission area noise #3  
Very possibly the driven pulley on the top of the transmission is splined. Those do wear and quickly become noisy, more of a grind when they finally fail. None the less, a great thing to inspect with the body off.
 
   / John Deere 345 - upper transmission area noise
  • Thread Starter
#4  
Thanks for the thoughts. How would I tell if the pulley is worn / splined? Is that pulley pressed on or bolted?

Brent
 
   / John Deere 345 - upper transmission area noise #6  
Your pulley appears to be retained with a nut and the pulley is splined. With the tension off the belt and the hardware off, it will slide right off for your inspection. There is a serial number break and 2 different pulleys used.
 
   / John Deere 345 - upper transmission area noise
  • Thread Starter
#7  
Thank you @beenthere, wonderful reference.

I have ordered a new main pulley, I'll let you all know if this fixes the issues later this week.

This is my first time using this forum and I really appreciate the kindness and assistance.

Brent
 
   / John Deere 345 - upper transmission area noise
  • Thread Starter
#8  
I changed out the main pulley but same issue, my guess is the idler pulley at this point. I guess I'll order a new one; just odd to me that this started just after I cleaned this area with a de-greaser.

Brent
 
   / John Deere 345 - upper transmission area noise
  • Thread Starter
#9  
I wanted to follow up and post my resolution. After replacing the main drive pulling, which is direct direct i.e. no bearing and still having the same squeal I decided to replace all of the pulleys on the drive belt. This resolved the issue. It wasn't too bad of a job I did it in my shop and just put the rear of the tractor on jack stands and removed the deck along with the seat pan.

I found this diagram very helpful through the process as was previously shared in the thread:
John Deere Parts Catalog

I suspect after looking at the pulleys what happened is that the bearing seals were worn and when I cleaned the area the moisture got into the bearings then rusted over night. I appreciate your feedback as I worked through this problem, I'm new to the forum.
 
   / John Deere 345 - upper transmission area noise #10  
I clean my 1999 345 with a Power Washer. After is wipe it down I start the tractor and turn on the PTO so It will spin all the water that sets on top of the pulleys. I run the mower deck and drive pulleys for about two minutes.
 

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