Date:         Fri, 28 Dec 2012 12:24:35 -0500
Reply-To:     Ed <email99@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ed <email99@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Subject:      Re: Wheel bearing play (in Baja Sur)
Comments: To: Michael Hart <mjhart853@YAHOO.COM>

I hope Tom's recommendation of a local shop has you quickly back on the road
but the following might help eliminate this from happening again for you and
others.

Check my list note #440305 (17 Jun 2012 02:49) - Porsche clamp nut fits
Vanagon front spindles.

I have replaced the original peening spindle nuts with the adjustable
Porsche spindle nuts (Porsche P/N 911 341 673 00) and wheel bearing preload
can now be adjusted anytime needed.  They fit without any clearance problem.
 The original Vanagon keyed washer should be retained.  These are sold new
for ~$33 but are available used for ~$15 if you search by part number.

I recently adjusted preload play out of my front wheel bearings in about 4
minutes after removing the front wheels.

Please note my disclaimer and caution about making this modification.




On Fri, 28 Dec 2012 09:07:59 -0700, Michael Hart <mjhart853@YAHOO.COM> wrote:

>We're 1000 miles down the Baja peninsula in Santa Rosalia with our '87 Westy.
>The passenger side wheel bearing has developed play and is starting to
squeal on corners. Advice sought on this;
>- tighten the bearing? (& can the pean nut be re-used?, contrary to the
advice in Bentley)
>- any commonality in the bearing parts with otherVW's ? (not much chance of
finding a Vanagon knowledgable shop here).
>Despite lots of spares in my underseat cabinet, wheel bearings did not make
it in....
>Thanks for your suggestions
>Michael
>'87 Westfalia "T3WESTY"