noisesfrom the drive train?

[trevorakm1]

hi guys, just curious here, is it normal to hear some snaps and cracks sounds while driving in addition to the engine noise? seems to happen when turning, when using the brake to steer. i'm thinking this is loose chains to the middle and rear wheels. i have heard the characteristic chain slap on the frame or tub while traversing rough terrain but this is different. my bigfoot is the only 6x6 i have experience with other than watching everyone's videos here, so i'm not sure. the machine runs great just a little noisy. i think i'll take it for a ride tomorrow in the yard with the floor pans out and maybe the firewall to see and listen. any thoughts would be appreciated, thanks.

trevor

[Toynut]

Not an expert on the subject, but, based on my experiences with bikes, it could be a tight or binding chain link or one of the inboard/outboard bearings starting to go (assuming you aren't jumping a worn gear).
Rather than driving around without the floorboards (dangerous and not always the best way to locate a problem while trying to focus), why don't you raise the body off of the ground (I use 2 ATV jacks) so that you can run it while stationary at a slow speed and listen to see if the pop is rythmic in one section of the chain or driveline.
That can be a clue to it's nature. Hitting the area with a good chain lube while it's running at slow speed might also quite the specific spot and also give you a clue to it's nature. You can also direct a stream of oil into the bearings one at a time to see if the sound dampens, too. Feel for any roughness or binding or creaks in the bearings or axles as you turn them by hand (engine off). I do this with the tires removed to give me access to the outer bearings, and to be able to to check the axles/flanges for runout, and above all - for safeties sake, so as not to get caught in the running gear or tires while the drivetrain is spinning.
Make sure you keep your fingers and body parts away from moving bits, please!

[Rock Doctor]

The way you describe it, I'm guessing it's a loose/stretched chain, but here are a couple things to check.

Idler chains off the trans should be tight, 1/4 to 3/8" deflection. If they are loose, the chain can "pile up" slightly on the slack side and rattle or bind against the floorpan as the chain tries to run between the bottom sprocket and the floor.
Check idler shaft bearings. If a brng under the trans is failing, it can allow the idler shaft to ride up, when braking that side, and cause contact between the brake disk and the Idler.
Check chain tensioner sliders. Once they get grooved from the chain, it's possible to get a weird slaping noise from the drive chain Master Link. The master will not have worn into the slider as far as the rest of the chain, so as it comes around, it can make the chain jump a bit causing a different noise.
Check your chains, if they are stretched, you may be sticking in a sprocket a bit, or you may be jumping a sprocket when turning.
Check your sprockets, if they are worn, may be sticking the chain in the sprocket, similar to having a stretched chain.

You might not be able to diagnose this with the machine on a stand, like "toynut" mentioned. If you try running around with the floorboards out, keep the fingers and toes out of the moving parts


RD

[trevorakm1]

i took the argo out for a spin in the yard and it seems to be a snap sound and happens when applying the left brake. it's on the right side and sounds like it's coming from the right middle chain/sprocket. most prominent when applying a hard left turn. i need to give a good inpection to the rest of the chains and sprockets. i want to revamp the entire drive system anyway, bearings, chains, and possibly sprockets as needed. i'll try to post a video of me riding and making noise so maybe someone here can see it and give some insight. anyway thanks for the replies guys, always helpful, thanks.

trevor

[trevorakm1]

well just got in from riding in the yard to figure out all these snaps, pops, and other associated noises. i took the floor pan out to watch things during the ride. the first thing i did was chech the tension on the middle and rear chains. the tensioners are at there limits and the chains still have play, so i guess this is the source for the abundance of noises. time to rechain the rest of the drive system. question, what does ansi mean when referring to chain? what are people's opinionon Peer, diamond, tsubaki brand chains? does anyone dare recommend a brand they trust and where to locate it? thanks for any input,

trevor

[racerone3]

I was a big fan of the US Tsubacki, untill I tried US Diamond. the difference is night and day. initial stretch on the diamond was far less and I haven't had to adjust sense. I've put it in 2 machines ( and have 2 more with the Tsubacki). Much happier with the Diamond. just make sure your getting the US made version. It is expensive, but worth it if you want to spend more time riding and less time fixing.