Kubota 2000 L2500 Clutch question

[macdoesit]

Today, my 2000 Kubota L2500, when pressing the clutch, it makes a squealing sound. It has never done that before today.
Any ideas?

 

[Roadworthy]

My best guess is your throwout bearing is shot. It will only make the noise when depressing the clutch as that's the only time pressure is applied to it.

 

[rScotty]

My best guess is your throwout bearing is shot. It will only make the noise when depressing the clutch as that's the only time pressure is applied to it.

The throwout bearing is inside the bell housing and sits between the clutch in the flywheel, and the transmission housing. Replacing it means splitting the tractor.

When you are In gear and moving, a throw-out bearing just sits back away from the clutch a quarter inch and does nothing. When you want to shift and push the clutch pedal, the pedal movement forces the throwout bearing against the clutch plate spring fingers. The bearing is supposed to spin as it holds the clutch disengaged while you shift.

Throw out bearings are factory pre-lubed. You cannot lube them. As they wear they lose their lube and won't spin freely - making the sound you hear. You can use it a few dozen times squealing, but each time carries the chance that the non-spinning bearing will eat into the clutch parts and make for more expensive repairs.

Still, those parts that will get destroyed are likely to be ones that you will replace anyway when you split the tractor. ... Best to fix it sooner than later.
luck,
rScotty

 

[macdoesit]

The throwout bearing is inside the bell housing and sits between the clutch in the flywheel, and the transmission housing. Replacing it means splitting the tractor.

When you are In gear and moving, a throw-out bearing just sits back away from the clutch a quarter inch and does nothing. When you want to shift and push the clutch pedal, the pedal movement forces the throwout bearing against the clutch plate spring fingers. The bearing is supposed to spin as it holds the clutch disengaged while you shift.

Throw out bearings are factory pre-lubed. You cannot lube them. As they wear they lose their lube and won't spin freely - making the sound you hear. You can use it a few dozen times squealing, but each time carries the chance that the non-spinning bearing will eat into the clutch parts and make for more expensive repairs.

Still, those parts that will get destroyed are likely to be ones that you will replace anyway when you split the tractor. ... Best to fix it sooner than later.
luck,
rScotty

Getting parts for 2000, L2500 Kubota with FEL, throw out bearing and clutch replacement. Dealer wanted 2,500 to 3,000. My first time. Will look at some youtube. Any advise on this procedure.

 

[macdoesit]

My best guess is your throwout bearing is shot. It will only make the noise when depressing the clutch as that's the only time pressure is applied to it.

Thank you.Getting parts for 2000, L2500 Kubota with FEL, throw out bearing and clutch replacement. Dealer wanted 2,500 to 3,000. My first time. Will look at some youtube. Any advise on this procedure.

 

[rScotty]

Getting parts for 2000, L2500 Kubota with FEL, throw out bearing and clutch replacement. Dealer wanted 2,500 to 3,000. My first time. Will look at some youtube. Any advise on this procedure.

We are all glad to help, I'm sure. Speaking for myself as a long time mechanic and repair shop owner I am still trying to figure out just how to make internet help effective. So help me too....

Just so you know, most dealers make quick estimates based on the cost for parts then double that to cover the labor. With that in mind, $2500 for a clutch job is not far off. Depends on what they find.
And keep in mind that some mechanics just naturally replace anything at all worn when they are in a tractor that deep, whereas others only fix what is wrong.

In the past, I don't think that I've spent enough time just asking these initial questions to get a feel for the owner's abilities and the tractor. Some photos along with a history of the tractor would sure help too

So what can you tell me about your mechanical abilities? Tools? Shop...Do you enjoy mechanical projects? You are going to need a flat floor space longer than the tractor, a Harbor Freight crane ($200), and a dolly stout enough to gently roll half the tractor away from the other half. And a clutch plate lineup tool.

Oh, almost forgot.... do you have a workshop manual for specs, and a parts book so you can post pages here on TBY so we can all point to the same part?
Luck,
rScotty

 

[cj7]

I replaced mine a good 15yrs ago. I did not find it really any harder but in fact probably easier than changing a clutch in a pick up or jeep. Be carefull how you support and separate the tractor. Think through each step ahead of time. Take your time.

 

[rScotty]

I replaced mine a good 15yrs ago. I did not find it really any harder but in fact probably easier than changing a clutch in a pick up or jeep. Be carefull how you support and separate the tractor. Think through each step ahead of time. Take your time.

Did you take the loader off or leave it on?

One thing different from a clutch in a jeep is that the tractor has to have the front axle-to-frame space on both sides supported so that the whole engine won't suddenly rotate around the axle pivot when the two halves of the tractor are slid apart. Good way to pinch a finger if not careful.

One guy got around the engine leaning problem by taking off the loader and then lag bolted the front bumper of his tractor to the wall of his workshop. That way the whole front half stayed in one place, and he could just roll the rear half away with a floor jack to get working space. Clever.

 

[big bubba]

Throw out bearings are factory pre-lubed. You cannot lube them. Scotty

True most of the time. i recall on my '70 IH Scout (304) there was a zerk for the throw out bearing underneath the chassis.. the only one i've come across
OP: best of luck in the repair, regards

 

[ptsg]

Throw out bearings are factory pre-lubed. You cannot lube them. Scotty

True most of the time. i recall on my '70 IH Scout (304) there was a zerk for the throw out bearing underneath the chassis.. the only one i've come across
OP: best of luck in the repair, regards

Yup, my 1962 Toselli crawler had a grease fitting for the throw-out bearing.