Rattling/chattering throwout bearing

[Dave Downs]

Thanks to the answers to my questions yesterday on the oil seal.

Background, replaced clutch & throwout bearing last winter - throwout bearing was worn down to the metal!! Pressure plate fingers properly adjusted, clutch worked nice and smooth, no problems. Machine belongs to my neighbor. it is at my place for a mower deck replacement. I only operate it when I move it to my place and I wear ear protection whenever I run anything (didn't used to, now have bad tinnitus).

Ran tractor in garage last night to raise mower deck, heard this rattling sound, opened hand hole and could see the throwout bearing dancing around.
Everything looks and feels good, nothing loose that I can find. Pedal free-play is 1-1/2", should be 1". If I hold the pedal down to about 1/2" free play things calm down.

Before I adjust the linkage - it is an early Cub without the slotted clutch pedal, you have to adjust the clevis through the hand hole which is a real pain, does anybody have any other suggestions? And I'm not real happy with the idea of reducing free play to 1/2".

[SamsFarm]

Is the transmission input shaft spinning true?

Was the pilot bushing replaced when the clutch work was done?

[tst]

if the wholes are worn that hold the bearing it will rattle around and probably destroy the bearing, it it well lubed with cheap grease, the new bearings come dry, soak them in oil for a week before installing

[Dave Downs]

Pilot bushing was replaced, new throwout bearing was soaked in oil, then greased.

[Glen]

Hi,
The holes in the throwout bearing holder need checking when the Cub is apart. If the holes are worn from use, the holder can move around, like you said above.

TM Tractor has a new holder for Cubs with the newer clutch adjustment, but not for the 1st style adjustment. The holders are different.
I think someone with the 1st style holder said he welded the holes, and then made them original size again.

Also, the pin at the top of the holder can wear and be loose in the holder's holes.
TM Tractor has a new pin.

If the sides of the holder are bent in, it can make it loose side to side, the sides need to be out almost against the casting, so the holder is held in one position side to side.
That position needs to be so the bearing is centered on the pressure plate fingers.

[Dave Downs]

Thanks again for the information.

Looks like I'm going to have to split the tractor. It's not a bad job except for that darn one-piece hood/fuel tank, it is really awkward to handle and you have to drain the tank.

[Waif]

Thanks again for the information.

Looks like I'm going to have to split the tractor. It's not a bad job except for that darn one-piece hood/fuel tank, it is really awkward to handle and you have to drain the tank.

I was getting good at pulling the hood/tank for a while.
Threatened to modify it and use velcro instead of bolts...

The shaker (marble in a piece of flared pipe in the end) siphon hose helps empty the tank easy. And I don't taste gas anymore!

I roll the tank upside down after lifting it clear , and then onto whatever it is going to rest on. Preferably a padded surface. But not always...