Is your Volvo excavator moving slower than usual? Do you notice unusual sounds coming from your tracks? You might have a final driving problem. These issues have the potential to halt your work and incur costs each minute your machine remains idle.
Final drives are the muscles that move your excavator. They take power from your engine and turn it into the force that moves your tracks. When they malfunction, your entire operation comes to a complete halt. The good news is that most problems are easy to spot if you know what to look for.
What Causes Final Drives to Fail?
Let’s begin with a startling revelation: a clogged case drain filter accounts for about 90% of the drive issues. That’s right, a simple filter can bring down your entire machine. But that’s not the only problem you’ll face.
Leading causes of failure include:
- Not enough oil (or too much!)
- Dirty or old oil
- Worn bearings and seals
- Metal contamination
- Poor maintenance habits
- Running machines too hard
Here’s another fact that might surprise you: People generally accept that both final drives will fail within six months of each other. This means when one side goes wrong, we need to start planning to fix or replace both.
The 5 Most Common Final Drive Problems
1. Oil Leaks – The Silent Killer
Oil leaks are the primary indicator of trouble. You may notice oil pooling under your machine or observe the hydraulic fluid level dropping more quickly than usual. Even a small leak can quickly escalate into a significant problem.
What to look for:
- Oil stains under the machine
- Wet spots around the final drive housing
- Low oil levels when you check
How to fix it:
- Check all seals for damage
- Look at the cover plate for warping
- Replace worn seals right away
- Keep the right amount of oil – not too much, not too little
If you see any leaks, don’t wait. A small seal replacement today could save you from a complete final drive replacement tomorrow.
2. Strange Noises and Vibrations
Your Volvo excavator will always make some noise, but new sounds mean trouble. Grinding, whining, or clunking noises often point to worn bearings or damaged gears.
Common noise problems:
- Grinding sounds (usually low oil or worn gear)
- High-pitched whining (bearing failure)
- Clunking or banging (loose parts or severe damage)
Quick fixes:
- Check oil levels first – it’s often that simple.
- Look for metal shavings in the oil
- Replace bearings before they destroy other parts
Remember, bearings have a limited life. Regular oil changes help them last longer, but they will eventually wear out.
3. Overheating Issues
When final drives get too hot, seals fail, and parts wear faster. Working gears can sometimes generate excess heat, causing the oil to expand and loosen the seals.
Signs of overheating:
- Hot to touch (more than usual)
- Oil is leaking from the expanded seals
- Burning smell
- Machine moving slowly
Solutions:
- Check oil levels and quality.
- Ensure the hydraulic fluid isn’t running too hot (it should be maintained at a temperature below 180°F).
- Inspect your brake system; stuck brakes can cause excessive heat.
- Clean dirt and debris from the undercarriage.
4. Loss of Power
When your excavator struggles to climb hills or move with a load, you likely have a power issue. This condition significantly impacts your productivity, making every job take longer.
Power loss symptoms:
- Slow track speed
- Can’t climb slopes
- Weak pushing power
- One track is moving faster than the other
What to check:
- Both tracks for proper tension
- Charge pump pressure
- Brake system (might be dragging)
- Swivel joint on excavators
If only one side is weak, that final drive needs attention. If both sides are weak, look at your hydraulic system.
5. Contamination Problems
Metal dust and dirt pose the greatest threat to your final drive. Once pollution starts, it spreads fast and damages everything it touches.
Warning signs:
- Metal shavings in oil
- Dark or dirty oil
- Unusual wear patterns
- Rough operation
Prevention steps:
- Change oil on schedule
- Use clean oil and new filters
- Check the oil for metal particles regularly
- Keep the work area as clean as possible
Smart Parts Solutions That Save You Money
Replacing final drive parts doesn’t have to break your budget. While dealer parts come with premium prices, smart operators understand that high-quality aftermarket, used, and rebuilt components deliver equal or superior performance at a fraction of the cost. These alternatives offer exceptional value, giving you the reliability you need without the dealer markup.
Why Aftermarket Parts Make Sense
New aftermarket final drives offer exceptional value. They’re built to meet or exceed original specifications but cost significantly less than dealer parts. These parts come with warranties and deliver the reliability you need to keep working.
The Value of Used and Rebuilt Options
Quality used parts from reputable suppliers give you another smart option. These parts are thoroughly inspected and tested before sale. Rebuilt final drives take this process even further: worn components are replaced, and the unit is restored to like-new condition, often with warranties that match new parts.
Your Volvo Parts Specialists
At Advantage Construction Equipment & Parts, we specialize in Volvo equipment parts and accessories. Our in-depth expertise in Volvo excavators means we understand exactly what your machine requires. We stock thousands of new, aftermarket, used, and rebuilt final drives, specifically designed for Volvo equipment.
Want to learn more about keeping your Volvo equipment running? Explore our comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about final drives.
How to Make Your Final Drives Last Longer
Good maintenance saves money. Period. Follow these simple steps to avoid most problems:
Monthly Maintenance (or Every 100 Hours)
- Check oil levels; this takes 5 minutes and prevents 90% of failures
- Look for leaks; even small ones matter
- Listen for new noises; your ears are great diagnostic tools.
- Clean the undercarriage; dirt causes seal damage
Annual Maintenance
- Change the oil because fresh oil means happy gear
- Replace the filters because a broken drain filter can cause serious issues
- Inspect all seals because worn ones can lead to leaks
- Check bearing play because catching problems early prevents major failures
When to Repair vs. Replace
Sometimes fixing isn’t worth it. Here’s how to decide:
Repair when:
- Problems are caught early
- Only seals or filters need replacing.
- The unit is relatively new.
- Damage is limited to one area.
Replace when:
- Multiple parts are damaged
- Repair costs approach replacement price
- The unit has high hours
- You need maximum reliability.
Remember, final drives work in pairs. When shopping for replacements, consider our aftermarket final drives guide to explore cost-effective options that deliver real value.
Fast Nationwide Shipping Gets You Back to Work
When your final drive fails, every hour counts. That’s why Advantage Construction Equipment & Parts ships 95% of orders the same day. Our Indiana location enables us to reach job sites across the USA quickly, providing you with the parts you need without delay.
Our online ordering system makes it easy to find exactly what you need for your Volvo excavator. With detailed specs and expert support, you can order with confidence knowing you’re getting the right part the first time.
The Bottom Line
Final drive problems don’t fix themselves. They only get worse and pricier. However, with regular checks and prompt action when problems arise, you can keep your equipment running smoothly and your jobs on schedule.
At Advantage Construction Equipment & Parts, we’ve seen it all. From simple seal replacements to complete rebuilds, we know what it takes to keep your Volvo machines earning money instead of costing money. Our parts inventory includes everything you need to resolve these common problems fast.
Don’t let final drive problems stop your work. Regular maintenance and smart parts choices keep small issues from becoming big headaches. Your equipment will take care of your business if you take care of it with quality parts.
For expert advice on maintaining your excavator’s performance, explore our complete guide to final drives for excavators and skid steers.
Get Your Equipment Back to Work Today
Final drive problems cost you money every hour your machine sits idle. Whether you need a quick fix or a complete replacement, Advantage Construction Equipment & Parts has the Volvo parts expertise and inventory to get you back on the move.
As specialists in Volvo equipment, we have a thorough understanding of your machines. We stock thousands of new, aftermarket, used, and rebuilt final drives designed explicitly for Volvo excavators. Additionally, we understand that downtime can be detrimental to profits, so we prioritize fast shipping to ensure you receive the correct parts when you need them.
Are you prepared to address your final drive issues? Call us at 502-716-6200 for expert help and fast quotes on quality parts that deliver real value. Do you need multiple parts or want to explore your options? Visit our Quotation page to contact our Volvo parts specialists.
Don’t wait until a minor issue becomes a significant expense. Get the smart parts solution today and keep your equipment earning instead of sitting.
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