Metal creaking sound from rear

[cjbyron]

Hi,

I have a 1984 200ES to use around my property.

Lately there has been a "metallic creaking" noise from the rear end area. It matches with wheel turns (creak, creak, creak as the wheels turn).

It doesn't seem to do it hardly at all unless I am sitting on it. It seems to be getting worse (started some time back).

Anyone ever experience this or know what it could be?

Thanks!

Craig
Seattle, WA

[ATC crazy]

First thing...check your wheel and axle bearings. If they are the origional's....you'd better replace them. If not....give them a good grease job (only if they look OK and have NO play in them) and see if the noise continues...

[cjbyron]

They probably are the originals. It came with the ranch that I bought 10 years ago. Yes, it does have a 'wheel bearing grind' sound to it now that I think about it.

I guess I'll have to try and find a service manual somewhere to do that. All I have is the little booklet, lol.

Thanks!

Craig

[200xman]

The 84 is shaft drive so the bearings are allways in oil. I would guess it is the brakes. Pull the right wheel, the hub, unscrew the axle nuts and remove the brake cover. My 84 did the same thing when I got it anf the brake shoes were delaminated and busted up. If you have a fax I can send you copies of the manual. P.M. me if you need them.

[cjbyron]

I thought it was the brakes when first noticed due to the creaking being similar to 'old brakes sound'. I didn't pull off anything though.

Yes, I would appreciate the offer of manual via fax and will PM you.

THANKS!

Craig

[threewheelin-feelin]

oil everything up really good

[plkmonster2]

I also had the exact problem!! I changed my brakes, due to one breaking off the metal plate, and I had to take off the right wheel to do so. I took it off, and it was really tight. Did my brake job, and put it back together. I didn't get it much past 30-40 lbs of torque. I took it out for a drive, and everything was fine. A week later, it started to happen. Usually only after I would accelerate extremely hard, then hit the brake. There would be this errk sound. I though it was the brakes too. Took them out, and out it together. Still had a prob. Took it apart again, oiled the bearings, and everything. Fixed it for a day, or I didn't notice it. Well, As I go to take it off again, I notice wear on the axle, where the hub hits it for a stop. Then I think about it, and the noise comes from the hub, only when I turn, or accelerate or brake, so it wouldn't be a bearing. I get it up to about 70-75 lbs of torque, to the next hole, put the pin in. Then I go out for a drive. Wolllaa!! It was fixed. I guess the hub was just loose enough to slip under extreme pressure. I would try that, I was thankful I found that problem before replacing the bearings!

[cjbyron]

So take off the wheels and tighten the axle nut? I've never done any maintenance at all on this thing except oil, plug, the basic stuff in the little manual. It's a farm tool :)

I'll give it a go. Today the sound seemed worse than ever and I took the initiative to decide to fix it before it took something else with it if it (whatever "it" is) goes out.

It is definately worse if I ride it as opposed to move it without my weight on it , i.e. - with my weight on it the sound becomes much more noticable.

Did you have this just on one side or both?

Craig

[TimSr]

It takes a about 5 seconds to check the rear bearings by trying to tip it back and forth and checking for play, but the brakes are proabbly the culprit. An easy check is to dreiv slow so you can hear the sound, and see if it disappears or changes when you push the brake pedal. They may just be full of dirt and crap, and need nothing more than being cleaned out.

[cjbyron]

Applying the brakes doesn't affect the sound at all.

Craig

[plkmonster2]

The brakes didn't affect mine either. Yes, it is easy to check the bearings, by pushing the rear end and axle around. I only had to tighten the one I took off. I would take off both of the large castle nuts, clean out the hubs and splines. CHeck for wear and then put a tad bit of grease on the splines. Put them back on, and tighten them down quite a bit, and go for a spin.

[timex69]

rear axel bearings are a pain to get out without a torch to heat them..i had t use a press to get them outta my blaster..they we're jammed soild.