well after having about 10 people tell me to check the bearings and brakes in the brick decided to have a look
2 hrs later ( 1 1/2 spent getting the split pin out ! whats the trick little bugger just wouldn't come out ended up breaking it and having to tap the remains out with a nail how tight in the hole should it be ? ) got the bearing off
every replacement that i have watched on youtube none that i can recall have said what to wash the bearings etc off in petrol / turps / soap water (joking ) ?
looks like heaps of grease but will still replace with fresh
brake pads look good and got the electric brake controller installed on car but not moved it yet to try it out . is there a way to check that they are working before putting it all back together ?
hako said
01:45 PM Oct 13, 2015
If you are re-greasing the bearings make sure you replace the seals and do not add too much grease otherwise it will get on the brakes.
To test if electric brakes are working, jack up one caravan wheel whilst van attached and plugged into tug. Then ignition on, foot on brake and slide the manual control to full - have someone spin the wheel whilst doing this. If all OK wheel should stop instantly. A roadtest is then the next step.
Good Luck.
Sarge9 said
05:02 PM Oct 13, 2015
I wash the bearings in petrol or diesel..... and spend a good while stuffing and spinning the stuff back in... before putting the bearing back on...
Sarge
The Phantom said
05:53 PM Oct 13, 2015
I have always been intrigued by the insistence some nomads have in checking the wheel bearings on their vans.
I have seen, time and again, old mate jump out of the car and wander around the van, putting his knuckles on the bearings to check their temperature. I've even seen some use one of the new-fangled infra red doo-dads for a temperature check.
Not once have I ever seen anyone check their vehicle's wheel bearings.
Don't they count?
The Phantom
Brenda and Alan said
08:24 PM Oct 13, 2015
Phantom the reason that the tugs bearings don't need constant checking is that you can hear when they are failing. The bearings on the van on the other hand cant be heard from the tug until catastrophic failure occurs.
Alan
03_Troopy said
08:33 PM Oct 13, 2015
The Phantom wrote:
I have always been intrigued by the insistence some nomads have in checking the wheel bearings on their vans.
I have seen, time and again, old mate jump out of the car and wander around the van, putting his knuckles on the bearings to check their temperature. I've even seen some use one of the new-fangled infra red doo-dads for a temperature check.
Not once have I ever seen anyone check their vehicle's wheel bearings.
Don't they count?
The Phantom
Sounds like "old mate" is doing a good job of monitoring his bearings, as long as he's putting his knuckles on the hub. Maybe the obsession with the van bearings, is that it doesn't do the same Ks as the vehicle, and the bearings may not have been as diligently checked.
hako said
09:44 PM Oct 13, 2015
The Phantom wrote:
I have always been intrigued by the insistence some nomads have in checking the wheel bearings on their vans.
I have seen, time and again, old mate jump out of the car and wander around the van, putting his knuckles on the bearings to check their temperature. I've even seen some use one of the new-fangled infra red doo-dads for a temperature check.
Not once have I ever seen anyone check their vehicle's wheel bearings.
Don't they count?
The Phantom
It's pretty wise - not only does it tell you if a bearing is running hot but also if brakes are dragging or tyres are overloaded and running hot. Plenty of people also check their tug axles and tyres otherwise you miss the warning signs and then ....disaster.
03_Troopy said
09:53 PM Oct 13, 2015
hako wrote:
The Phantom wrote:
I have always been intrigued by the insistence some nomads have in checking the wheel bearings on their vans.
I have seen, time and again, old mate jump out of the car and wander around the van, putting his knuckles on the bearings to check their temperature. I've even seen some use one of the new-fangled infra red doo-dads for a temperature check.
Not once have I ever seen anyone check their vehicle's wheel bearings.
Don't they count?
The Phantom
It's pretty wise - not only does it tell you if a bearing is running hot but also if brakes are dragging or tyres are overloaded and running hot. Plenty of people also check their tug axles and tyres otherwise you miss the warning signs and then ....disaster.
Tugs have propellors, not wheels and axles...
rockylizard said
10:02 PM Oct 13, 2015
03_Troopy wrote:
Tugs have propellers, not wheels and axles...
OH WHEELY
Gday...
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Tuesday 13th of October 2015 10:03:43 PM
Cupie said
10:54 PM Oct 13, 2015
The Phantom wrote:
I have always been intrigued by the insistence some nomads have in checking the wheel bearings on their vans.
I have seen, time and again, old mate jump out of the car and wander around the van, putting his knuckles on the bearings to check their temperature. I've even seen some use one of the new-fangled infra red doo-dads for a temperature check.
Not once have I ever seen anyone check their vehicle's wheel bearings.
Don't they count?
The Phantom
I just got one of those new fangled thingos. I check both the van & tug .... and the tyres. Just looking for varations.
Did the SinL's (who was traveling with us) rig too.
Good for checking my home Air Conditioners too. And the stuff in the 3 way fridge. Wonder if it's any good for checking body temp. I'll try it out on SWMBO.
I always put too much grease on my bearings but the excess comes out on the rims when the wheels warm up. Never on the break linings or other 'internals' though ... yet!
Vince said
06:07 PM Oct 14, 2015
Cupie wrote:
I always put too much grease on my bearings but the excess comes out on the rims when the wheels warm up. Never on the break linings or other 'internals' though ... yet!
Not a good over greasing bearings, they will use only what they need and spit/spin the excess out and yes usually through the seal. Hence the grease on the rim.
In some cases too much grease pops the seal and as you can realize more issues to deal with then
I know I've heard a lot of blokes say "Can Never Have Too Much Grease" but most mechanics/fitters will tell you it's not a good idea.
Vince
dzcook said
06:29 PM Oct 14, 2015
just had a look at passenger side van brakes when i move the magnetic arm nothing seems to happen on the you tube clips that i have seen when they move the arm the brake shoe moves slightly but i cant really detect any movement at all appears to be all there springs etc suggestions if this is normal or should i go looking for something broke ?
Cupie said
10:43 AM Oct 15, 2015
Vince wrote:
Cupie wrote:
I always put too much grease on my bearings but the excess comes out on the rims when the wheels warm up. Never on the break linings or other 'internals' though ... yet!
Not a good over greasing bearings, they will use only what they need and spit/spin the excess out and yes usually through the seal. Hence the grease on the rim.
In some cases too much grease pops the seal and as you can realize more issues to deal with then
I know I've heard a lot of blokes say "Can Never Have Too Much Grease" but most mechanics/fitters will tell you it's not a good idea.
Vince
I have no doubt that you are correct, but my approach had worked for me. Yes the excess does spew out over the rims ... but I have been doing this for >200,000 van KM over 15 years & still on the same bearings & seals. Never a spot on the 'internals'. Repack at no more than 10,000 km.
Lucky perhaps.
I'll try to be a teeny bit more frugal next time.
Vince said
11:02 AM Oct 15, 2015
Cupie wrote:
Vince wrote:
Cupie wrote:
I have no doubt that you are correct, but my approach had worked for me. Yes the excess does spew out over the rims ... but I have been doing this for >200,000 van KM over 15 years & still on the same bearings & seals. Never a spot on the 'internals'. Repack at no more than 10,000 km.
Lucky perhaps.
I'll try to be a teeny bit more frugal next time.
Sorry Cupie I wasn't having a shot at ya just thought I'd offer some advice I got over the years.
You are doing great to get that many kilometres out of a set of bearings and seals. I had mine replaced just recently and wasn't impressed with the $520 cost to do it, I know a set of 4 Timken ford bearings costs $120 but the $400 labour cost is a bit steep.
Happy Travels
Vince
Jaahn said
01:16 PM Oct 15, 2015
Cupie wrote:
Vince wrote:
Cupie wrote:
I always put too much grease on my bearings but the excess comes out on the rims when the wheels warm up. Never on the break linings or other 'internals' though ... yet!
Not a good over greasing bearings, they will use only what they need and spit/spin the excess out and yes usually through the seal. Hence the grease on the rim.
In some cases too much grease pops the seal and as you can realize more issues to deal with then
I know I've heard a lot of blokes say "Can Never Have Too Much Grease" but most mechanics/fitters will tell you it's not a good idea.
Vince
I have no doubt that you are correct, but my approach had worked for me. Yes the excess does spew out over the rims ... but I have been doing this for >200,000 van KM over 15 years & still on the same bearings & seals. Never a spot on the 'internals'. Repack at no more than 10,000 km.
Lucky perhaps.
I'll try to be a teeny bit more frugal next time.
Hi,
As a mechanic I will say that you certainly can have too much of a good thing. Grease in wheel bearings is certainly one place. The bearing itself should be packed around the rollers etc and the cups but with proper grease there is no need for any more in there. It does not move around so the extra is just churning and heating the bearings up. When you examine bearings they just have a thin coating on the rolling elements and the rest has been pushed away and stays there.
Car manufacturers found this out years ago and do not waste any extra but that which come on the bearings. As was pointed out people do not repack their vehicle bearing much. The only problem is really water getting in and washing the grease out. Proper seals are the answer.
Jaahn
Cupie said
12:04 AM Oct 16, 2015
Vince wrote:
Cupie wrote:
Vince wrote:
Cupie wrote:
I have no doubt that you are correct, but my approach had worked for me. Yes the excess does spew out over the rims ... but I have been doing this for >200,000 van KM over 15 years & still on the same bearings & seals. Never a spot on the 'internals'. Repack at no more than 10,000 km.
Lucky perhaps.
I'll try to be a teeny bit more frugal next time.
Sorry Cupie I wasn't having a shot at ya just thought I'd offer some advice I got over the years.
You are doing great to get that many kilometres out of a set of bearings and seals. I had mine replaced just recently and wasn't impressed with the $520 cost to do it, I know a set of 4 Timken ford bearings costs $120 but the $400 labour cost is a bit steep.
Happy Travels
Vince
Vince ...
I didn't think that you were having a go at me and I do take on board the advice offered.
Jaahn, the ex Mechanic is of the same view as you, so I'll verify with my trusted local mechanic who I expect will concur and follow your advice.
well after having about 10 people tell me to check the bearings and brakes in the brick decided to have a look
2 hrs later ( 1 1/2 spent getting the split pin out ! whats the trick little bugger just wouldn't come out ended up breaking it and having to tap the remains out with a nail how tight in the hole should it be ? ) got the bearing off
every replacement that i have watched on youtube none that i can recall have said what to wash the bearings etc off in petrol / turps / soap water (joking ) ?
looks like heaps of grease but will still replace with fresh
brake pads look good and got the electric brake controller installed on car but not moved it yet to try it out . is there a way to check that they are working before putting it all back together ?
To test if electric brakes are working, jack up one caravan wheel whilst van attached and plugged into tug. Then ignition on, foot on brake and slide the manual control to full - have someone spin the wheel whilst doing this. If all OK wheel should stop instantly. A roadtest is then the next step.
Good Luck.
I wash the bearings in petrol or diesel..... and spend a good while stuffing and spinning the stuff back in... before putting the bearing back on...
Sarge
I have always been intrigued by the insistence some nomads have in checking the wheel bearings on their vans.
I have seen, time and again, old mate jump out of the car and wander around the van, putting his knuckles on the bearings to check their temperature. I've even seen some use one of the new-fangled infra red doo-dads for a temperature check.
Not once have I ever seen anyone check their vehicle's wheel bearings.
Don't they count?
The Phantom
Phantom the reason that the tugs bearings don't need constant checking is that you can hear when they are failing. The bearings on the van on the other hand cant be heard from the tug until catastrophic failure occurs.
Alan
Sounds like "old mate" is doing a good job of monitoring his bearings, as long as he's putting his knuckles on the hub. Maybe the obsession with the van bearings, is that it doesn't do the same Ks as the vehicle, and the bearings may not have been as diligently checked.
It's pretty wise - not only does it tell you if a bearing is running hot but also if brakes are dragging or tyres are overloaded and running hot. Plenty of people also check their tug axles and tyres otherwise you miss the warning signs and then ....disaster.
Tugs have propellors, not wheels and axles...
Gday...
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Tuesday 13th of October 2015 10:03:43 PM
I just got one of those new fangled thingos. I check both the van & tug .... and the tyres. Just looking for varations.
Did the SinL's (who was traveling with us) rig too.
Good for checking my home Air Conditioners too. And the stuff in the 3 way fridge. Wonder if it's any good for checking body temp. I'll try it out on SWMBO.
I always put too much grease on my bearings but the excess comes out on the rims when the wheels warm up. Never on the break linings or other 'internals' though ... yet!
Not a good over greasing bearings, they will use only what they need and spit/spin the excess out and yes usually through the seal. Hence the grease on the rim.
In some cases too much grease pops the seal and as you can realize more issues to deal with then
I know I've heard a lot of blokes say "Can Never Have Too Much Grease" but most mechanics/fitters will tell you it's not a good idea.
Vince
I have no doubt that you are correct, but my approach had worked for me. Yes the excess does spew out over the rims ... but I have been doing this for >200,000 van KM over 15 years & still on the same bearings & seals. Never a spot on the 'internals'. Repack at no more than 10,000 km.
Lucky perhaps.
I'll try to be a teeny bit more frugal next time.
Sorry Cupie I wasn't having a shot at ya just thought I'd offer some advice I got over the years.
You are doing great to get that many kilometres out of a set of bearings and seals. I had mine replaced just recently and wasn't impressed with the $520 cost to do it, I know a set of 4 Timken ford bearings costs $120 but the $400 labour cost is a bit steep.
Happy Travels
Vince
Hi,
As a mechanic I will say that you certainly can have too much of a good thing. Grease in wheel bearings is certainly one place. The bearing itself should be packed around the rollers etc and the cups but with proper grease there is no need for any more in there. It does not move around so the extra is just churning and heating the bearings up. When you examine bearings they just have a thin coating on the rolling elements and the rest has been pushed away and stays there.
Car manufacturers found this out years ago and do not waste any extra but that which come on the bearings. As was pointed out people do not repack their vehicle bearing much. The only problem is really water getting in and washing the grease out. Proper seals are the answer.
Jaahn
Vince ...
I didn't think that you were having a go at me and I do take on board the advice offered.
Jaahn, the ex Mechanic is of the same view as you, so I'll verify with my trusted local mechanic who I expect will concur and follow your advice.