Rear end noise
 

I have a 149 that I am currently rebuilding the motor, while apart I was going to check on a noise that I had in the rear end. When the tractor is initially started a "whining" occurs, once throttled up the "whining" disappears I can return to idle and the noise is none existent; it does not return until the tractor is cold once again. I'm not to familiar with the hydro and was hoping someone could shed some light on this for me. Thank you for all your help, this site has surely been quite the help as I move forward with my rebuild.

Whining from a hydro static drive is completely normal in virtually all circumstances. Just the nature of the beast caused by fluid cavitating as its pumped around small passages in the unit at high speeds and pressures. Also normal for it to be worse on start up and when cold since the fluid's thicker and harder to pump and the pump may not be quite primed for a moment.

Changing the fluid and filter can go a long way toward eliminating whine. I suppose it's technically possible there's something actually wrong with it but from what you describe it sounds like a perfectly normal 30+ year old hydro cub. I would say (if you haven't already) change the fluid and filter and be happy :beer2:

+1
And give the oil in the hydro as well as the engine time to warm up,before going to full throttle, on any piece of equipment.

+2 My 149 and 169 do the same thing.

Yep,
That's the nature of the beast with the hydros.

Thank you
 

Thank you all for the response, I wasn't sure if it was normal and I greatly appreciate the input. Just for piece of mind I do let her warm up prior to using, I've seen what can happen when equipment isn't properly taken care of and mishandled. I changed the fluid two years ago and figured I would again with the rebuild of the motor. Thank you again for the help.

Hydro whine is one of the best parts of a cub cadet IMO. Totally unique sound.

I have noise coming from my rear end sometimes, too. But that's another story! :biggrin2:

Is it worse on start up?

John

:bigeyes: :Help: :biggrin2: