Date:         Wed, 6 May 1998 11:19:06 -0400
Reply-To:     Erik O <koesel@UAKRON.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Erik O <koesel@UAKRON.EDU>
Subject:      Bearing Replacement: How to clean and lubricate the sliding door.
Comments: To: "Vanagon@VANAGON.COM" <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

One thing to add to this thread....

Those who live in areas prone to rust may find that the door is still
not functioning properly. The tubular bracket that fits in the outside
track should run perpendicular to the track, if it doesn't and it moves
with or against the door your bearings are shot. Dealer part is way too
expensive. Get yourself two bearings from a pair of inline skates. They
should be easy to acquire, just ask someone who has a pair of blades or
check a sporting good store. Any store that resells used sporting
equipment should have them. Bearings that are no longer good for blades
are more than enough for your sliding door. Then follow this
procedure....

1> Remove the panel that covers the outside track. There are two small
screws that hold it in place on the bottom. Gently push upwards and it
should come free.

2> If you look in the track, in the middle you will find an indentation.
Move the sliding door hanger thingie to the middle and you will notice
that you are able to lift the hanger out of the track. Get some help and
lift the door away from the van at the bottom and then it will fall out
of the upper track. Find a safe, non abrasive place to lay the door
down.

3> Remove the bearings. You might have to remove the bracket and put it
in a vise. I used a small sharp chisel and with one blow, shattered the
inner race of the bearing with little effort. Clean and install new
bearings.

4> Now is a good time to clean all the tracks and coat with grease. A
shop vac with a small attachment works good too. CV joint grease works
great if you have it.

5> Now follow the instructions backwards :)

_______________________
Erik O        Akron, Oh
82 GTI Westfalia
http://ebyte.com/gl
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