Date: Mon, 2 Aug 2004 08:02:55 -0500
Reply-To: Stan Wilder <wilden1-1@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stan Wilder <wilden1-1@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject: Re: hello and a new memeber.
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The rear axles need very little service.
If you're going to remove the axles this is what I've found best.
1) Go to a truck service mechanic that can break the big nut loose.
2) Leave the nut loose enough that you can get it off yourself, install the
cotter key and drive home.
3) Remove the drive axle inner CV from the transmission flange.
4) Remove the stub axle after removing the rear wheels, brake drums.
5) Clean the parts and interior of the axle housing.
6) Repack the bearings and pack the housing.
7) Install new seals.
8) Use only general purpose grease or be certain and buy the specified
grease from a VW dealer. (Molybdenum Grease like for front disk brake
bearings will turn the rear axle bearings into bushings, don't use it.)
9) Return tio the truck service center and get the nuts properly torqued.
10) These bearings easily last over 100,000 miles if they have lubrication.
If you want to install grease fittings this is the time.
The problem arriving with grease fitting installation is TOO MUCH grease
that will push the seals out and make a big mess out of your rear brakes.
You don't really need them if you service the bearings / seals every 100,000
miles.
Stan Wilder
www.engineceramics.com
----- Original Message -----
From: ". ." <rrecardo@WEBTV.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, August 01, 2004 11:28 PM
Subject: hello and a new memeber.
> I have been reading the vanagon.com archves for some time and heve not
> found any answer's to a question I have.
> I would like to remove the rear stub axles and service the rear
> bearings.
> I am finding out that a regular service schedule on the rear axle
> bearings will be an unpleasant task.
> The stub axle will have to be removed along with other items.
> Not a savory task.
> I had in my mind to drill and install a grease fitting into the stub
> axle so at least once a year I could give the bearings a bit of high
> temperature, no washout, heavy duty grease just to make sure that they
> are properly lubricated.
> Does anyone out in the list see any problems with this modification the
> rear axles?
>
> Thank You,
> R. Recardo
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