MF390 rattles under acceleration

[euroliner]

We have a 1989 MF 390 when you accelerate in either low or high forth gear it develops a bad rattle in the gearbox / back end area, any ideas where to start

 

[Tractortech]

Now Then......
Get the spanners out perhaps,,,,, 🛠

 

[DrWazzock]

If it’s just in one particular gear then drain transmission oil and look for evidence of a broken up bearing race? A failing gearbox bearing can cause a rattle/knock. Once the drain plug is out carefully sweep your finger round inside the gearbox floor for bits of broken bearing cage etc. I bought a cheap inspection camera on the end of a flexible lead with handheld screen. Feed it in through filler and drain plugs to see if there’s evidence of damage. If a bearing has gone then only option is bearing replacement which I’ve managed without full gearbox rebuild.

 

[masseybreaker]

if its 4wd and the later type dropbox with the bolt on pod on the side where the shaft comes out unbolt that and have a look at the knackered gears in there

 

[euroliner]

if its 4wd and the later type dropbox with the bolt on pod on the side where the shaft comes out unbolt that and have a look at the knackered gears in there

yea , the front drive shaft is up the side off the engine

 

[wdah/him]

that must be an 8spd shuttle? duncan lift off cab by any chance?

 

[nails]

Add sawdust and sell it

 

[euroliner]

that must be an 8spd shuttle? duncan lift off cab by any chance?

no , has the Hi Line Cab

 

[MF CI]

Before taking anything to bits spend a bit of time driving it in all gears and possible combinations to determine exactly when it is making the noise and is it the same noise all the time. Try with and without 4wd. You could take off the prop shaft to see if that make a difference. As said above the 4wd side pod is an easyish check and has been known to have problems. But you don't want to go exploring in the gearbox and spacer unless you have some idea of what you are doing.