L4150 front axle problems

[Redwing]

I have just started trying to revive my Fathers 199? L4150 tractor. Got it started but when moving I can go forward but when I reverse the front wheels turn about 1/2 turn then lock up. I do not want to put in 4x4 for fear of damaging something further.
Any suggestions on where to start diagnosing the problem?
Thanks for any help.

 

[Tooljunkie]

Jack front end, if it has loader, use that to pick up. Block axle so its safe. Set down on blocks/ stands. Try to roll wheels around-maybe then you can determine if it is the differential or the gearsets at either end of axle.
Each problem takes a different approach.

 

[Redwing]

Will get at that by the weekend and report back.

thanks

 

[Redwing]

Jacked the front end. While in 2 wheel drive Turn one tire clockwise the other rotates freely counterclockwise. Lower front end try and reverse front wheels freeze. Put unit in 4X4 and unit will back up although it seems (difficult to hear above sound of the motor) to be a "Clicking" noise. Drives ahead in 2 wheel drive fine???????

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

You need to jack up one front tire at a time and with 4wd disabled you should be able to turn the tire that is in the air and the propeller shaft should spin.

 

[Redwing]

OK thanks will try that.

 

[Redwing]

So I removed the front propellr shaft cover and tried a small pipe whench on the propeller shaft with the transmission in 2 wheel drive. When I try and turn the shaft clockwise it will actually rotate, Front wheels on the floor, and the tractor does not move forward. there is some resistance then a jump like gear skip and the propeller shaft turns. When trying to turn counterclockwise the shaft doesn't jump and I can actually move the tractor in reverse. So problem appears to be in front differential, what is nost likely cause???

 

[Redwing]

Can I get a quick look without completely diassembling thr front end????

 

[Lil Foot]

This sounds similar to the symptoms of a friend's Yanmar. He could drive forward with some clicking/popping noise, and when he reversed, it locked up.
Turns out it has a sort of a kingpin with bevel gears (to transmit power through the steering knuckle) and one of the bearings on that shaft had come apart. In one direction, torque forced the gears into a half-assed mesh, but when reversed, it forced them apart & they jammed.
I also remember a 4wd trip when a guy was convinced he blew up a differential because it was locked up...turns out he had a u-joint come apart & that caused the lock up. I'd verify the shaft & u-joints are ok first.

 

[Redwing]

Removed propeller shaft and jacked one tire, when I turn the raised tire I can feel something jam in the differential I think, if I wiggle the tire a bit while applying pressure I can eventually get past that point and get significant rototion before it hooks again. Guess I am looking a removeng and tearing down the front axle

 

[Tooljunkie]

Good luck, hope it isnt too serious. Take your time, make notes and take pictures.

 

[Redwing]

Thanks I will remember to take pictures if not I certainly won't remember where everything goes. Thank God for Smart Phones

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Sounds like you could be in for a spider gear problem.
Nice part is that has a very easy to work on front end setup, at least I think so.

You'll need to pull both axles off and then remove the differential housing and everything will come out.

 

[Redwing]

Well I guess I found the Problem. Pinion gear damaged also. Shudder to find replacement cost tomorrow

 

[Redwing]

Thanks for the diagram Wolfman, would you have the part 3s also?

Thanks

 

[Tooljunkie]

Oh man, thats sad looking. Wonder if theres such a thing as new good used? I see a major housing cleaning coming up too. Trip to the car wash, maybe?
Did that with a few transmissions i have done in the past. Wash, blow dry and wipe with oil. Thats a moot point, finding parts for a reasonable price is the big thing.

 

[D2Cat]

Might check with these folks for parts. Would mis-matched tires cause such damage?

kentucky tractor salvage, 800-564-0567

 

[Daren Todd]

Oh man, thats sad looking. Wonder if theres such a thing as new good used? I see a major housing cleaning coming up too. Trip to the car wash, maybe?
Did that with a few transmissions i have done in the past. Wash, blow dry and wipe with oil. Thats a moot point, finding parts for a reasonable price is the big thing.

Don't want to get caught around here running one through a car wash. They've slapped a couple guys around here with epa fines and illegal dumping. Carwash around here starting giving me hell because i had a little dirt on the truck and a four wheeler in the back. Guy was losing his mind over the wheeler.

 

[Redwing]

Clean up least of my worry, I have access to free oil and contaminate disposal so no issue. My consern is the price of replacement parts. So many other things (Like rusted sheetmetal) that needs replacing. Was not counting on this one. Oh well life goes on

 

[Tooljunkie]

I guess thing are a little different compared to us around here.our vehicles get dirty.like stucco some days.my defence is its no different than opening a hood and washing an engine. Wash bays have skimmers for oil residue.

Even though you may be facing a considerable expense, i'm sure it will be worth it to have a good running tractor.