I'm working on my dad's machine. The other day he started noticing a clunking noise while operating the machine. He said he could actually feel it when it was making the sound. He also said it came on quickly. I checked the drive chains and they all have a considerable amount of play, enough that I can hear them contacting the chain case. I'll be changing the drive chains. The sprockets look to be in good shape but we haven't completely drained the chain case yet to see the entire sprocket. I checked the axle bearings for end play and found none. Is there anything else I should be checking that might make a clunking noise while turning? I don't know if a carrier could be bad as well? I can't feel any wiggle in the drive sprockets but I won't know for sure until I get the chains off of the sprockets. My dad doesn't put a lot of hours on the machine each year so I'm not really worried about putting new chain on old sprockets. I think I have my bases pretty well covered but suggestions on other things to check are appreciated.
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If the chains are touching the chain case, I'd think that would be the cause of the noise.
You have done well checking for end play in the axles, not many people would think about it. I'd like to think the carrier wouldn't make noises, but the chains slipping over the sprockets would.
You have done well checking for end play in the axles, not many people would think about it. I'd like to think the carrier wouldn't make noises, but the chains slipping over the sprockets would.
We just finished replacing the drive chains and..... the darn thing still has a noise. It sounds like its coming from the drive motor area. I didn't get there until they were putting the new chains on and it never crossed my mind to tell them to check the bearing play for the carrier. Regretfully I think we're gonna be opening it back up to replace carrier bearings :-(
I talked to a friend at a Bobcat dealer today. He indicated checking the snap ring on the motor carrier. He said if it was broken it could cause the motor shaft and the sprocket shaft from meshing properly and causing a noise. I'm going to check it out and will report back.
I hope it's that simple...Shame the chains didn't do the trick
Bobcatguy are you still around? What did you find out that the problem was? I have a S250 doing the same thing.I hope it's that simple...Shame the chains didn't do the trick
