Here is my recent acquisition, a 1946 John Deere model LA tractor.
The ad for the tractor said the transmission "growls like an old machine might", but when I drove it around, the growling sound was hideous. I knew a bearing replacement task was in store for that poor soul purchasing this tractor and hoping for an enjoyable driving experience. And as can probably be deduced by now, that poor soul would be me. I wasted no time in ripping the tractor apart.
The first order of business was to drain the transmission oil. That doesn't seem too difficult, does it? Do you see the oil "piling up" in the drain pan? It is a thick greasy mess in the transmission.
Next, the wheels and cast iron centers came off.
Next were the final drives.
This brake band needs some serious help, as the lining is pretty much gone.
The other final drive is out, and the brake band looks much better on this side.
The drive shaft has a cast iron belt pulley installed, which means this tractor at one time had a sickle bar mower. Too bad the mower wasn't still attached.
I unbolted the drive shaft from the fabric disk, then removed the disk from the transmission input flange and removed the flange.
I was able to tie the driveshaft to the left side, then slide the transmission out to the right. I also slid the left brake cross shaft out to the left to allow more room for this operation.
After several minutes of finagling, the transmission and differential unit are on the bench.
I took off the transmission shifter mechanism and inside the transmission didn't look so good. A thick greasy paste is covering everything.
Mmm-mm good.
Water has also been inside the transmission and differential, as seen by the "high water mark" on the differential cover.
Most all the bearings were pitted. Time to start ordering stuff.
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