John Deere STX 30 Transmission noise

[Speedybon2543]

I have a John Deere STX 30 that when the clutch is out I have an abnormal grinding noise it almost sounds like a bearing in the transmission is worth pulling apart it looks like it's still available or there are some on eBay. Is there a easy way to inspect it without dropping it down.

 

[tomplum]

My thought is that it would be more like an idler pulley bearing. At least hopefully. To my knowledge, these transmissions are still serviceable, though a nasty clean up job goes with due to the Bentonite lube.