Date:         Sun, 12 Aug 2007 00:03:48 -0400
Reply-To:     Benny boy <huotb@VIDEOTRON.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Benny boy <huotb@VIDEOTRON.CA>
Subject:      Re: Front wheel bearings
Comments: To: Steven Smith <kewsps@YAHOO.COM>

I agree, it's hard to put the right torque!

Here is how i proceed.

When new, torque that 27mm a lot, almost to a state that you can not turn
the front disk  by hand(this is to make sure that they are fully in and
seated), go back until the disk turn easy and smooth (it almost need to spin
easy), even to much out is good. Now, try to see if you have play in the
disk, if not, that is enough. Put the whell back and see if you have any
play with the wheel on. If yes, give it another 1/4 turn, try again until
there is NO play (shaking the wheel).

Drive the van for a week, check for play again.

I use to put them to thight... but they need to be loose enough to spin
freely, just to the point that you have some play in it. That is why it's
good to check them up after a week or so.

Me, i know watch that wheel spin for ever... with to play on it.

Ben

On Sat, 11 Aug 2007 16:59:45 -0700, Steven Smith <kewsps@YAHOO.COM> wrote:

>Looking for tricks to repacking the front wheel bearings on my '84 Westy. I
have tried everything to make the bearings last longer than about 15K mi.
but in the last couple of days my drivers side wheel started clunking and
when I checked, the spindle nut was just a little loose. I tightened the nut
until the slop in the wheel went away and the clunking stopped. Now I
wondering if the inner bearing is going, or was the nut just a little loose.
It has been a while since I repacked the bearings so something has recently
changed.
>  How tight should the nut be? Bentley says tighten to remove slack and
back off until washer is movable with a screwdriver. If I do this, there is
slop in the wheel. This makes me think the inner bearing might be either dry
or worn. The wheel is very quiet though. No rumble, nuthing, just the clunk
when properly adjusted. A little tighter, no clunk.
>  Anyway, are there known better bearings that I should consider
purchasing? Better Grease? I'm using a moly type of grease (not the wax
based stuff)
>
>  I have searched the archive but, found little to nothing.
>  Thanks,
>  Steven
>
>
>---------------------------------
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