Top 5 Signs Your Final Drive Is About to Fail (And How to Prevent It)

Final drives are the workhorses of your excavator. When they go bad, your machine grinds to a halt—and downtime gets expensive fast. The good news? Most final drive failures give early warning signs if you know what to look for.

At Pro Construction Parts, we supply heavy-duty replacement final drives for Volvo, CAT, Komatsu, and other major brands. Here's how to catch the problem early—and keep your equipment moving.

⚠️ 1. Unusual Grinding or Clunking Noises

If your final drive starts making grinding, popping, or clicking sounds, don't ignore it.

• Likely cause: Worn planetary gears or bearings
• Result: Metal shavings in the oil, eventual seizure

Pro Tip: Drain your final drive oil and check for metallic particles. If it looks like glitter, the internal components are wearing fast.

⚠️ 2. Hydraulic Fluid Leaking from the Final Drive

Leaking around the final drive usually means a damaged seal or pressure imbalance.

• Likely cause: Seal failure, overpressure, or worn shaft
• Result: Hydraulic pressure loss, gear damage, overheating

Pro Tip: Inspect seals and hoses regularly. Catching a leak early can prevent a full rebuild later.

⚠️ 3. Loss of Power When Turning or Climbing

Struggling to turn or power through terrain? The final drive may be losing torque.

• Likely cause: Worn internal components, weak hydraulic motor
• Result: Your machine bogs down or moves unevenly

Pro Tip: Compare left vs. right side performance. If one track is sluggish, the problem is isolated to that side’s drive.

⚠️ 4. Final Drive Overheats Quickly

Hot to the touch after short use? That’s a major red flag.

• Likely cause: Contaminated or low oil, internal friction
• Result: Burned seals, warped parts, total failure

Pro Tip: Use a non-contact thermometer to monitor temperature after operation. If it spikes, shut down and inspect immediately.

⚠️ 5. Jerky or Irregular Movement

If your track surges or moves inconsistently, internal wear may be to blame.

• Likely cause: Worn out clutch plates or gear misalignment
• Result: Damaged sprockets, poor traction, loss of control

Pro Tip: Don’t blame the track right away—if it’s skipping, the drive motor might be the issue.

✅ How to Prevent Final Drive Failure

• Check fluid levels weekly
• Use manufacturer-recommended oil
• Inspect for leaks after every job
• Don’t overload your machine
• Replace worn drives with OEM-spec parts

💡 Final Thought

A failing final drive doesn’t have to derail your job. Stay alert to these signs, act fast, and rely on a trusted parts supplier to keep your machines earning.