LX665 Gearbox or drive motor problems?

[Blackwatertrading]

Our company recently purchased approx a 1998 lx665 and before long we noticed that the left side seemed to be less responsive than the right. After some tinkering we discovered that there was a whining sound when using the left wheels much and also possibly a faint grinding sound, although we aren't positive about that one. It does ok if you're turning to the left and using more of the right side (ie pushing in on the right stick more than left), but using much of the left and the whining gets pretty loud and steering seems slightly unresponsive. So we removed the wheel and inspection panels and since we are new to skid steers (have had forklifts for 20 years) we have a few questions. Ok first off there seemed to be some play in the main shaft/cogs that both chains loop over. The center drive shaft I should say. I don't know if this is normal or not. It seems to me that it should be pretty darn stable, but there is some slight play. Also how much slack is supposed to be in the chains? Both sides where full of oil and the chains seemed to be in good order. Our guess is that there is a problem with the gear case/box. We are at a loss and before we take it to a repairman we would like to know more about where we stand. Thanks for any help and I'll answer any questions that may help, if I can.

 

[Mike10]

You probably need the hydro pump and motor checked on the left side. Is it also weak in reverse? Once the hydro motor is removed you can better check the gearbox. When the bearings go in the gearbox you get more of a hammering noise coming from them. The bearing which seems to go first is the one behind the double gear you referenced in your post. You should see the seal plate still in place on the bearing. If you can see the ball bearings you have a problem. If the brake shaft bearings go it usually pushes out the freeze plug type cap on the inside of the machine where you can see it.

You tighten the chains by sliding the axle assy's so there is about 1/4" movement of the outer diameter of the tire. Not a big deal if it has a little more play.

 

[Blackwatertrading]

You probably need the hydro pump and motor checked on the left side. Is it also weak in reverse? Once the hydro motor is removed you can better check the gearbox. When the bearings go in the gearbox you get more of a hammering noise coming from them. The bearing which seems to go first is the one behind the double gear you referenced in your post. You should see the seal plate still in place on the bearing. If you can see the ball bearings you have a problem. If the brake shaft bearings go it usually pushes out the freeze plug type cap on the inside of the machine where you can see it.

You tighten the chains by sliding the axle assy's so there is about 1/4" movement of the outer diameter of the tire. Not a big deal if it has a little more play.

Thanks for the reply. When we blocked up the machine and took off the wheels all noise seemed to be gone, but that may just be because they're not supporting the weight. We can't see any ball bearings, the plate is still there. The main noise that we hear is the whining noise and possibly a slight growling type noise, which as you said could be the drive motor. Don't really hear a hammering sound. We had thought if the bearing was bad it may've caused the pump to whine under strain. It seems like we may just need the motor though lol. Something else I forgot to mention; when you are sitting stationary and you pull gently back on the right stick you get immediate response, but when you do the same to the left it seems to stall and very little response.