Transmission problems

[Eric857 54]

Hello red square,

I restored an 857 last year and I have been having a blast with it but I have noticed a bit of a problem this past summer and and winter with the transmission. There seems to be a bit of a hesitation in the machine when it is running in 3rd gear while going up hill. The best way i can describe the problem is that it is like the tractor has oval wheels, it seems to pull then let off, pull then let off, pull then let off. I cannot for the life of me figure out the problem with it. It seems to really only happen in 3rd gear.... The other issue is that occasionally i am getting a bit of a knock on something that sounds hollow, like if i were to knock on a metal door or a hollow oil drum.

Has anyone had this issure before? Is this something that is fixable? 

When I did this restoration I did not take the transmission apart at all, the only thing I did was take it off of the machine, strip it and paint it. I think that would eliminate any mechanic's error but that doesn't mean I didnt knock something out of place in any of the times I moved out around in the garage. The only other thing I did to it is put in new gear oil, it ran. 

I am frustrated and puzzled, it never had an issue like this before it was restored....

Please comment whatever you think may be the issue and thanks for the help



--Eric Gell

 

[stevasaurus 22,841]

Check the usual stuff outside the transmission first.  Make sure the hubs are tight on the axles and not slipping.  Pull off the hubs and check the key ways and wood ruff keys.  Take off the belt guard and check the belt for wear, and check and clean the pulleys (with mineral spirits).  I would say that you can expect a certain amount of your 1st issue just because these horses are belt driven and there is some natural slack because of that and the tension pulley.

Your 2nd issue is more concerting.  Anything that is worn or broke inside the transmission could cause the hollow knock.  A broken tooth on an axle gear or (like I had one time) a 1533 bearing that had let loose a couple of the 1/4" steel balls from the race and they are getting popped around the trans case when they get picked up by a gear.  What ever it is...it is fixable.    Check the things above 1st...but it sounds like you may want to open the transmission anyway.  If something is wrong like I stated in the trans, you could do more damage by driving it around.  You should have the #5053 transmission...not hard to go into and put back together.  Here is a link with some videos, maybe you can spot something that is making your noise.
http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/topic/25103-5085-trans-rebuild-videos-pics/

[KC9KAS 4,741]

That sure sounds like a hub slipping on the axle....The oval feeling is when the hub groove lines up with the key then slips over it....again and again.
Hub and axle both probably have issues and need replaced.

[DennisThornton 4,769]

What's already been said twice. 

Going up hill is a dead giveaway!   You have a key on one hub slipping under the heavier load of climbing.  Catch it now before it gets any worse!