Ford 3230 MFWD

I have a Ford 3230 MFWD tractor with front loader. I believe it is 37 hp. However it has as much power as a 50 hp, I think. It pulled a John Deere 510 baler for several years, struggled a little going up the small grade a bit if the roll was getting big, but did a good job. Just wanted to brag on it a little because it is a great tractor. I have had this tractor for 15 years and the universal or universals are making a noise in the front end, when i turn it. I am going to replace all 4 of them. I started last night taking it apart. I took the wheel off the steering arm and the caps and bushings out and pulled the axle shaft out with the end gear housing, that the wheel bolts to. When I get home from work, I am going to take that housing apart with the gears in it, so I can get the shaft out to replace the universal joints.
Is there anything I should be aware of before I get into this part of the job? This will be my first time to tackle one of these, babies and I don't want to screw something up.
 
If the hub seal is not leaking, do not disturb it... those are expensive cassette seals. So leave the ring gear alone. If you do have to remove the ring gear to get at the bearings/seal... make sure you clean/dry the bolt holes on reassembly, use Loctite 262 on the bolts and torque to the correct spec. Too little torque and they will back off and too much they will snap off.
Beyond that inspect the shaft seal and the bronze bushings for wear; replace if necessary Probably replace the seal anyway. Likewise the axle housing seal. Check the king pins for wear and replace the bushings if necessary... If it's got any hours on it, having a loader... I would bet that the bushings need replaced. Those were little crap axles to sit under a loader.

Rod
 
Thanks Rod,
Will the axle shaft pull out of the hub, to replace the universal joints? I didn't actually try that. The bushings seem to be in good shape. The tractor has 1375 hrs on it.
 
You separate the carrier/cover from the hub, then remove the snap ring on the shaft. Shaft will then pull out without disassembling the hub any further.
Visual doesn't mean a whole lot on the king pins. They always look fine... but wear the cups out that they sit in. If you're getting lateral movement in the spindle there's wear present. If there are still shims under the pin heads you can remove them to compensate for wear. Otherwise you need to replace the wear parts on the pin/bushing. Consult a service manual for the wear limits on that.
Also... I usually just burn the cups/spiders out of the cardan rather than screwing with it very long. It might come apart.... but if it doesn't I'd sooner cut that pound.

Rod
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top