184 U JOINT

Boyce · Mar 12, 2011

How hard/expensive is it to replace a clicking universal joint on a 184? I am interested in purchasing one, but the owner tells me it needs the Ujoint replaced.

Anonymous-0 · Mar 12, 2011

Complete used U-Joints come up from time to time on ebay. There's a good chance you could replace the cross.
I can't troubleshoot from here, but the u-joint doesn't have a lot of movement and he clicking may not be coming from the u-joint.
The PTO drive belts commonly make noise. They can make a noise varying from a "clicking" sound to a racket like rocks in a corn sheller. Spray a little common household spray cleaner or water on the belts. It will make the noise go away or at least change the sound.
Also, the clutch throwout bearing could be rattling.

K-Mo

Boyce · Mar 12, 2011

well, lets see, if it is a ujoint it won't do it sitting still. What about the PTO belts? Are they turning when sitting still? The TO bearing should stop or change when I press in the clutch. Hopefully when I look at it this afternoon, I can narrow it down to one or the other...

Anonymous-0 · Mar 12, 2011

The PTO belts are in use all the time. They run directly of the flywheel pulley.
There are only four screws holding the drive cover on (cover between the dash and the seat). If you remove it you have access to inspect the u-joint. If the joint itself is good, it could just be loose set screws on the joint. If the joint would be excessively loose on the transmission end, the bore in the joint could be worn. That could require replacement joint, joint end or repaired with machine work.
Yes, pressing the clutch pedal could stop or change the noise if it's a TO bearing problem. The TO bearing actually rides on the drive shaft and is often overlooked when it comes to lubrication.
Regardless, if everything else looks good and the price is reasonable most everything can be fixed.
Creeper drive and 3-point are considered premium options. If it does have 3-point, keep in mind that PTO driven 3-point equipment from the local farm store is not compatible with the 184. The PTO runs CCW at about 2000RPM instead of CW 540.
Good Luck,
K-Mo
3-184s & 4-154s

Boyce · Mar 12, 2011

OK, I just looked at this 184. It does not have a 3 pt lift, but does have a 60" international mower deck. The spindles all seem good and tight. It seems to start and operate smoothly.

The clicking noise he described is definetly present with the engine running, sitting still. I observed the "driveshaft" spinning with the engine running/sitting still. I am perplexed how the driveshaft could be spinning and the tractor not be moving? I guess the gear box is in/on the rear diff? Anyway the rear ujoint is definitely bad. I can feel the movement in the cross. Looking forward, I do not see any front joint? It seems to go right into the clutch housing?? I could not be certain if all the noise is coming from that bad joint or not. It is for sure in that area though. So, I am inclined to believe it is the joint.
The mower seemed to be generally noisy (more than my old craftsman mower) when the deck was engaged. Maybe thats just the way they are? I can get it for $1900 which is more than some I"ve seen, but I like the 184 model, turf tires, and 60" deck. Plus it is only 3 or 4 miles from home...which is beneficial.

184 U JOINT

Boyce

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Anonymous-0

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Boyce

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Anonymous-0

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Boyce

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