Hey everyone. Just purchased a 2007 Bobcat 430 with just over 2000 hrs on it. Noticed a ticking noise from the housing bearing/and or sprocket. It seems to tick harder when under load and seems when rotated to 90 deg. So first question is I have read that this is common for this model of bobcat to make a ticking noise even from new. Second question would the ticking noise if normal be heard with full rotation? We have just had this machine for 24hrs and aside from purchasing it from a dealership it came with no hydrolic oil in the tank, and no sign of fresh grease, so first up we repacked the bearing with grease and it made a slight improvement but still makes the noise. I appreciate any insight in advance and hope you ALL have an awesome day! Oh and we live in a rural area so any do it yourself tips are super appreciated!
Sounds like the slew bearing is worn out and the balls inside are binding up. If u put the bucket on the ground and lift the machine a little u will probably see some up and down play in the bearing. All u can do is grease it 4-5 shots every 60 degrees of rotation or so then rotate the machine a couple rotations each direction to disperse the grease. Replacing the bearing is probably about 2000 for the bearing and requires splitting the upper from the lower
My Komatsu PC30mr-1 makes that same ticking noise just as you described it. I bought it second hand at 3700hrs and now has done 4400hrs and it hasn't changed with 700hrs so i'm not worried about it. When i first got it, it was really noticeable but i greased it really good and it got heaps better, pretty much gone unless under load. I don't know if its normal or not but i wouldn't be fixing a ring gear or bearing unless it was really broken i think its pretty big money to get it done, and not a handy man job. A tip i found handy when greasing it, is to slowly spin the machine while your pumping grease in it till you get to a full 360, you can spin the machine from the out side of the machine when your pumping grease by pushing against the slew joystick with a stick, depending on where you have to grease from(I hold no responsibility for any deaths caused from doing this haha) I grease the turntable and bearing at least once a week like this, and a squirt every day when i'm greasing the pins.