Acceptable end play on PTO shaft ???

R

rick 48 cub

Well-known member
Hi all,

I noticed that the PTO shaft on my 48 cub can be pushed in/pulled out about an inch. What is an acceptable end play ?

If this end play is excessive, what needs to be repaired ?

Thanks
 
That's an awful amount slack. I'm suprised the end of the shaft hasn't come out of the pilot bushing. There's a clip that holds the PTO shaft bearing in place. My guess is that clip broke. :(
 
Rick and Jake,

An inch is terrible. Just a few thousandths of an inch would be normal with a new bearing properly in place. I am surprised that it works under load at all.

Just remove the thick triangular plate and pull it aft. There is a dowel pin and you may have to pry it a little at the mating surfaces. You will soon see what is wrong. If the tran has never been drained and cleaned, this would be a good time to do that also by pulling the whole diff. cover and clean it out. Also check the condition of the little PTO clutch engagement pin and lever. When going back in with the PTO plate, you will have to remove the large fill plug on top of the Diff and rotate the PTO lever as it engages the clutch wheel. You need four hands or a buddy to help perform this. It can be done by one person if you are good at aiming a flashlight when held in your mouth. Bill
 
Oh man, I hope it's easier than it sounds. :D I often feel like Im getting in over my head, but I guess I have nothing to lose.
 
Jake, I went into a lot of detail, but it is NOT a hard job. all you need is a ratchet and 9/16 socket. Jump into it and we will help lead you through it if you get stuck. May as well get you feet wet now on something like this as all Cubs need something, now or later. Really it is not a hard job. Bill
 
Before you dig into the rear, be sure to drain it. You can get a nasty mess if you take the back plate off without draining out all the schmoo that's built up in there over the years.

I believe the drain plug is underneath the transmission, on the same side as the seat, facing frontward.
 
Allen, If you just remove the PTO plate, you should not lose a drop of oil. If you do, the tran is far over filled. But you are correct about the big plate. If you are in a hurry, then put a pan under the rear and let her go when you remove the big plate. Sure speeds things up! Bill
 
Bill, you are correct if the level is correct, but I have seen many of them that had enough oil/water in them to leak around the differential shafts. That would make an awful mess if the pto plate were pulled off.
 
What parts should I purchase before I takle this job on my 1948 cub ?

Gaskets, clips, ?

I would be great if you could provide part number for my IH dealer.

By the way, I am surprised on how much end play is in the PTO shaft considering that it looks like it had never been used. There are no discernable scratchs or signs of wear. I was told the cub was only used for plowing by the prior owner.

Always Grateful
 
Rick, you really won't know until you get in there and see what is going on. Since it is a 48, your bearing may just be staked on and there may not be a clip. If nothing is worn you may be able to just re-stake the bearing. You can easily pull the shaft and see what you will need and then replace the shaft until you get any necessary parts.
 
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