Bearings in transmission bad?

hysteresis

New User
I just finished putting a clutch in a new to me 1950 8N. Previous clutch has sheared the friction material and disintegrated. Fired her up and the clutch is working great, however, I am now onto problem #2. She has a distinct growl/grind when the clutch is engaged. I bought it with the bad clutch, so I have no way of knowing if the noise existed before the clutch replacement.
When I push the clutch in, the noise goes away completely. I believe this eliminates the release bearing. Side note, I bought a new release bearing but this tractor had a lip on the carrier and the old one did not slip off, unlike my other 8n, where the bearing slid right off.
The gear oil is the typical milky white from sitting outside with a bad shifter boot. I am thinking about splitting the front and back and tearing out all the bearings to hunt down the problem. I have never worked inside the tranny on these guys but the shop manual makes the job seem pretty easy. Is there any special tools I would need to pull the mainshaft and countershaft? Also, what should I look for to find the noise? I am assuming bearings but you guys know better than me. I searched the forums but there is not much discussion on the tranny rebuilding procedures.

Thanks!

UPDATE: The bearings and cups are pitted pretty badly and the main drive input gear is badly pitted.

Main drive input gear -- pitted pretty badly
18zqEQC.jpg


Counter shaft fourth gear chipped
lztJfMB.jpg


Mainshaft bearings pitted
a1xRkDT.jpg


Bearing cups pitted
EhyBepw.jpg


Reverse drive gear chipped
ZphEywG.jpg



[video play=false:1bf92b734d]http://forums.yesterdaystractors.com/videos/mvvideo20951.mov[/video:1bf92b734d]
 
It's common practice to replace the transmission input shaft seal when replacing a clutch. If you did that you would have had a chance to check the bearings on the input shaft Which is common practice when you remove the input shaft.

Mark
 
(quoted from post at 17:13:47 05/16/15) It's common practice to replace the transmission input shaft seal when replacing a clutch. If you did that you would have had a chance to check the bearings on the input shaft Which is common practice when you remove the input shaft.

Mark

I am going to make that an item on my checklist from now on. I didn't notice any leaking so I skipped replacing the seal. I am now regretting that decision.
 
That brings to mind the old "while you're in there" rule. It makes more sense to replace everything you
can in the area you dug into than having to return later.
 
How much movement actually takes place inside the transmission with the clutch released and in neutral? Just the main shaft or the main shaft and countershaft?
 

That's great, I haven't seen that version of tractor myth-busters before. I guess you really can't believe everything you read on the internet :lol:

I estimated there was 1-2 gallons of water in the transmission housing so it may be time to check that felt gasket.
 

You can find pretty good deals on ebay for all the gears, I would do a complete tear down and rebuild with new bearings where possible. easy job!
 

With all the pitting that you can see I would say that it is a safe bet that you have pitting in the bearings as well. On the water issue, unless your tractors are stored in a climate controlled building, a few times every year when a warm front pushes through it will rain inside your gear cases.
 
(quoted from post at 02:09:55 05/18/15) How much movement actually takes place inside the transmission with the clutch released and in neutral? Just the main shaft or the main shaft and countershaft?

Take the top off and start her up and see what is turning!! Better wear oil proof rain gear tho! LOL. It does not take long to shut one off!! I didn't watch long enough to see what all was turning but I think in a constant mesh trans pretty everything except the out put shaft.
 

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