Binding left track

[PaulinNY]

Ok, I have a problem with my JD 440icd in the left track. Last week while using the machine the left (if sitting on the machine) track kept sticking. It was binding up so I brought it into the garage. Well I had a chance to take a look at it this weekend and discovered that the Sprocket had been binding up on the bottom roller, and the Upper Idler? The sprocket appears to be cockeyed. It has the hydraulic track tension system, and the hydraulic cylinder and piston are cockeyed where they meet. The cylinder holds grease but I can see that the retainer is loose. I checked the undercarriage bolts, and while some are loose, they all appear intact. The Gear Assembly has busted through the final drive pan on the outside side. So I am thinking….could this be a final drive bearing problem, worn spacer, worn retainer, or what? Could this have anything to do with the steering clutch? I did adjust that clutch, but only after it had started to “bind”.

I am new to the 440 world, as well as the tractor world for that matter so I am on a great learning curve. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. By the way, you all missed the "400th to join party", it was great fun
Thanks, PaulinNY

[Lavoy]

Hey, I never got an invitation, what gives!?!?!?!?
Your final drive bearings are out, don't use the crawler further, you will damage more stuff. You will need to remove the final drive and take it apart to see how much stuff is damaged.
As long as you have it off, be sure to check everything else that is hooked to the final as well.
Lavoy