Date: Sun, 30 Apr 2006 08:32:43 -0500
Reply-To: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: Re: front wheel bearing questions...
In-Reply-To: <fe510cc90b588e7206a4c0e58e7cf47e@speakeasy.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Two different problems. The real key to correct tightness of the wheel
is whether it turns free when the nut is tight. To tight, it won't turn
or it will bind in turning.
The same checking action is used to check the ball joints. If they are
loose you will be able to see it.
Regards,
John Rodgers
88 GL Driver
monte merrick wrote:
> its my understanding from reading more than hands on that a clunk and
> wiggle associated with front wheel is due to ball joints.
>
> monte
>
>
> On Apr 29, 2006, at 8:42 PM, John Rodgers wrote:
>
> Check the wheel for play by jacking the vehicle up, then grabbing the
> top and bottom of the wheel in question and rock it back and forth. If
> there is any play at all, see if tightening the nut helps. If not, then
> pull the wheel and whatever else, clean and inspect with a good light
> and magnifying glass, the bearings and the races for wear - grooves
> and/or pitting. If found, replace the races and the bearings. The races
> can be removed with a flat tip punch and new ones installed using the
> old race, a block of wood, and a heavy hammer.
>
> DO NOT use the old axle nuts. Get new ones. These nuts are a special
> locking type and once used lose they safety margin.
>
> BTW, usually, but not always, a front wheel bearing develops a growl or
> whine when it is worn. Not a clunk. I suppose it's possible for it to
> clunk if you have worn the thing beyond the growl stage, or, if the
> axle nut is not sufficiently tight.
>
> Good luck,
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver
>
> robert shawn feller wrote:
>> I can notice a very slight play/clunk when I wiggle either front wheel
>> what
>> is most likely a wheel bearing. Its not tire rods/steering.
>>
>>
>>
>> On a vanagon is this a simple need for a repack or is any play a
>> definite
>> need for a new bearing? There is no sound what so ever coming from the
>> bearing.
>>
>>
>>
>> Sahwn
>>
>>
>>
>
>
> "I long ago lost a hound, a bay horse, and a turtle dove, and am still
> on their trail. Many are the travelers I have spoken to concerning
> them, describing their tracks and what calls they answered to. I have
> met one or two who had heard the hound, and the tramp of the horse, and
> even seen the dove disappear behind a cloud, and they seemed as anxious
> to recover them as if they had lost them themselves." - henry thoreau
>
>
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