Cub Cadet 4 x 4 Volunteer User Manual
Page 95

Chapter 3 - Drive System: Drive Shafts and Differentials
91
4.
Manually rotate one rear wheel, with the differ-
ential lock disengaged:
•
If the vehicle is in neutral, the drive shaft leading 
from the transfer case to the differential will turn.
•
If the transfer case is in gear, the other rear 
wheel should rotate in the opposite direction. 
5.
Engage the differential lock and rotate one rear 
wheel:
•
If the vehicle is in neutral, both rear wheels will 
rotate in the same direction and the drive shaft 
leading from the transfer case to the differential 
will turn.
•
If the transfer case is in gear, the wheel will be 
extremely difficult to turn. The opposite rear 
wheel will turn in the same direction, the drive-
shaft will turn, and the driven element of the CVT 
will turn.
NOTE: It may take a few degrees of rotation 
before the differential lock engages. It will emit 
and audible “click” when it does.
6.
If the differential lock fails to engage or disen-
gage as it should, the problem may be internal, 
or the problem may be in the linkage. Before 
removing the differential, confirm that the prob-
lem does not lie in the linkage.
7.
Confirm that the linkage moves freely through its 
range of travel. 
When released, the center line of the pin that 
connects the shift fork to the linkage should be 
1-1/8” (32mm) from the end housing that sup-
ports the sealed carrier bearing.  
See Figure 3.5.
Figure 3.5
1.125”
Released
8.
When the differential lock is engaged, there 
should be about 3/4” (19mm) from the centerline 
of the pin to the end housing that supports the 
sealed carrier bearing. See Figure 3.6.
9.
To accommodate this roughly 3/8” (9.5mm) of 
travel, the cable should be adjusted so that it is 
just slack in the disengaged position.  
See Figure 3.7.
NOTE: There will be about 1/2” of free-play as 
measured at the top of the control lever.
9.1.
Loosen the jam nut and adjust the cable at the 
differential bracket using a pair of 1/2” wrenches.
9.2.
Tighten the jam nut and test the operation of the 
differential lock when adjustment is complete.
Figure 3.6
.75”
Engaged
Figure 3.7
Adjustment point
