L355SS with clacking noise from rear diff in low range only...?

[psychonautbuddy]

When in low range, a rapid clacking noise from rear differential, very quiet or absent
in 1st low, but louder in 2nd low, louder still in 3rd low, and very noisy in 4th low.
The diff lock foot lever flops up an down, doesn't seem to either engage or disengage solidly,
not sure if that has anything to do with it. Happens the same in either fwd or reverse, 4wd or 2wd,
but never in high range.

I haven't had this machine long, and it's been doing it from day one. Any thoughts on what
it could be?

 

[rbargeron]

Ok first about the differential lock foot lever - it's supposed to have an external spring that normally keeps it lifted. Then when pressed down, the slot pulls a rod outward, moving a collar inside, locking the differential. The foot lever goes up to auto-disengage. If it's flopping, a strong bungee will hold it disengaged about as well as the original spring.

The clacking noise in low range indicates a damaged gear or bearing in the range selector (maybe part 1 or 4 in the attached drawing). Should be able to see something if you lift off the hydraulic unit under the seat. To replace things in there the tractor needs to be split at the front of the differential case - not a huge project, but not trivial either. Maybe Wolfman has a WSM? Several models use the same parts L295, L305, L345, L355.

Check availability of the needed parts before splitting the tractor. The 2-row gear is expensive half price one here but some pieces may take time to find. Left in high range it should run quietly a long time.

The L355ss is a good tractor - definitely worth fixing. Best luck, Dick B

 

[psychonautbuddy]

some pieces may take time to find. Left in high range it should run quietly a long time.

The L355ss is a good tractor - definitely worth fixing. Best luck, Dick B

Thank you. I am not shy about projects like this, but no time right now. I really like this tractor,
I know some of it's initial history, but it had a shady past prior to being rescued and coming into
my hands. I'll look under the cover and see what's going on. I'm in hilly terrain, so low range &
4wd is paramount.

I notice that 2nd high slips when on a mild 3% incline. I don't think this is normal. It should stall
if I have selected to high of a gear, not slip, right? Hydro fluid is correct spec, and full.

 

[rbargeron]

Slippage is definitely not good - or normal. Hopefully it can be cured by a linkage adjustment. Does the clutch pedal have any play at the top? Try adjusting it for about 1" free travel. On a friend's L355 we needed to lengthen a link that had worn pin holes. Runs fine now with no slipping.

If the slippage isn't in the clutch, it's possible there's a problem in the shuttle system but lets not go there yet.

 

[Theader97]

I know this is an older post, but I unfortunately fell victim to this same issue and it was the range selector gear.