Once again it is time to repack the 4 wheel bearings applicable to our rig.
We have a semi off-road van which therefore has large heavy wheels/ tyres.
Whilst the job is not that difficult, however for me replacing the wheels back on the hub is rather a strenuous work- out.
When I have removed the inner seal and the bearing I have had the unfortunate pleasure of finding the small steel ring of the seal, caught up inside the bearing. The ring breaks when I try to remove it, thus seeing part of the ring wedged inside the bearings.
This has happened in 3 of the 4 repacks. therefore I then have to buy new bearings and seals for the 3 inner sections. Perhaps this is a good thing to have new bearings etc.
All is now a job well done, albeit I have some aches and pains to overcome.
When do you repack your van wheel bearings?
Jay&Dee
diggerop said
09:26 AM Mar 13, 2021
Can't recall ever repacking just for the sake of repacking. Only ever done when changing bearings. If the wheel is spinning freely and there's enough grease in there I'll leave it alone.
Onedodger said
01:31 PM Mar 13, 2021
There is a product Called Ezy Wheel Lifter and I have found it helps a lot when rotating wheels etc.
I also grease the bearings on my tandem caravan every 10k. That way the brake liners and the magnets can be inspected as well plus the brakes get a proper adjustment also.
orid said
01:37 PM Mar 13, 2021
Jay Dee , a very simple method to get your wheels back on the hub is to use a garden shovel or spade or something similar ,to lever the wheel up ,makes it very easy,
Old trick of the trade.:)
Regards Orid
Possum3 said
02:48 PM Mar 13, 2021
Orid, thank's for the idea mate, they're so heavy they almost put me into limp mode for an hour after lifting.
Although nowdays I only take wheels off in emergency or in remote country - The tyre companies and breakdown services guys have nice fit and healthy guys to do manual labour.
Even the Child-bride's hatch back is relegated, when tyres need changing/repairing.
oldbloke said
03:19 PM Mar 13, 2021
Why do people repack van bearings so often?
A cars front bearings only get repacked about every 150k or so.
KJB said
03:40 PM Mar 13, 2021
oldbloke wrote:
Why do people repack van bearings so often? A cars front bearings only get repacked about every 150k or so.
If they're lucky.......!
orid said
04:27 PM Mar 13, 2021
oldbloke wrote:
Why do people repack van bearings so often? A cars front bearings only get repacked about every 150k or so.
I just did mine , ready for a trip over East.
Peace of mind , :)
:) :) Orid
Possum , You will find it so easy with a shovel ,I have put on large truck wheels with this method, as long as the shovel handle is strong enough of course?
Roll the wheel on to the shovel end and leverage does the rest.
Oh and you need the hub at the right hieght as you can only lift around 3-4 inches with the shovel.
Orid
Orid
-- Edited by orid on Saturday 13th of March 2021 04:32:32 PM
-- Edited by orid on Saturday 13th of March 2021 04:35:19 PM
Old and Grey said
05:42 PM Mar 13, 2021
orid wrote:
oldbloke wrote:
Why do people repack van bearings so often? A cars front bearings only get repacked about every 150k or so.
I just did mine , ready for a trip over East.
Peace of mind , :)
:) :) Orid
Possum , You will find it so easy with a shovel ,I have put on large truck wheels with this method, as long as the shovel handle is strong enough of course?
Roll the wheel on to the shovel end and leverage does the rest.
Oh and you need the hub at the right hieght as you can only lift around 3-4 inches with the shovel.
Orid
Just add a block of treated pine 400mm x 200mm x45mm under the rear of shovel to give of that 30 - 40mm of extra lift.
I get Old to do this, while I have a Beer. Its hard work putting brain into gear.
Grey
Orid
-- Edited by orid on Saturday 13th of March 2021 04:32:32 PM
-- Edited by orid on Saturday 13th of March 2021 04:35:19 PM
Aus-Kiwi said
06:27 PM Mar 16, 2021
Depends how good the seals are ? Boat trailers bearings are the ones requiring repackaging. I have used a little hypoid differential oil . On dust cap before fittingjustvto make sure theres plenty lube . When checking bearings . Often nipping them up a little .
bomurra said
08:35 PM Mar 16, 2021
JayDee wrote:
Once again it is time to repack the 4 wheel bearings applicable to our rig.
We have a semi off-road van which therefore has large heavy wheels/ tyres.
Whilst the job is not that difficult, however for me replacing the wheels back on the hub is rather a strenuous work- out.
When I have removed the inner seal and the bearing I have had the unfortunate pleasure of finding the small steel ring of the seal, caught up inside the bearing. The ring breaks when I try to remove it, thus seeing part of the ring wedged inside the bearings.
This has happened in 3 of the 4 repacks. therefore I then have to buy new bearings and seals for the 3 inner sections. Perhaps this is a good thing to have new bearings etc.
All is now a job well done, albeit I have some aches and pains to overcome.
When do you repack your van wheel bearings?
Jay&Dee
Hello JD
"I then have to buy new bearings and seals for the 3 inner sections."
Why don't you just purchase 4x New "Seals", by all means inspect the bearings and replace them if necessary but if they pass inspection, you can simply re grease the bearings and replace the seal alone.
Seals are available from bearing suppliers as a stand alone item, for much less than the cost of the full set of bearings and seal.
As others have said, re-grease every 10,000 Klm's is about right, more often is probably unnecessary, unless you are in severe conditions.
Regards,
Bob.
Greg 1 said
09:10 PM Mar 16, 2021
Van bearings get a bit of a hammering particularly on tandem axles. They are often stood around for long periods of time allowing the grease to dry out in the upper areas of the bearings and carry considerable loads on a large van.
They are also subjected to considerable side loads on tandem axles when turning.
It's just good maintenance to repack them regularly. Cheaper than a failure in some remote spot.
Old and Grey said
10:45 PM Mar 16, 2021
Greg 1 wrote:
Van bearings get a bit of a hammering particularly on tandem axles. They are often stood around for long periods of time allowing the grease to dry out in the upper areas of the bearings and carry considerable loads on a large van. They are also subjected to considerable side loads on tandem axles when turning. It's just good maintenance to repack them regularly. Cheaper than a failure in some remote spot.
Hi Greg 1,
Can't help myself, I and old always stop to help those in need. Call it old fashion friendship. We carry parrallel braerings for our van Plus a set of HT and Ford bearingss and dust caps for those bone heads that just get out there till sh...it happens.
In return We have made many life time friends. All I ask is the cost of those parts supplied at cost. Love to watch folks pack new bearings with bear hands, to get the message across. I do give them some Rinso and water to clean up . You would not believe some who have wanted for Zero. I have let them know the cost of time sitting on the roadside. Plus the cost of a flatbed 24hrs later. Some are just full of themselves.
Once again it is time to repack the 4 wheel bearings applicable to our rig.
We have a semi off-road van which therefore has large heavy wheels/ tyres.
Whilst the job is not that difficult, however for me replacing the wheels back on the hub is rather a strenuous work- out.
When I have removed the inner seal and the bearing I have had the unfortunate pleasure of finding the small steel ring of the seal, caught up inside the bearing. The ring breaks when I try to remove it, thus seeing part of the ring wedged inside the bearings.
This has happened in 3 of the 4 repacks. therefore I then have to buy new bearings and seals for the 3 inner sections. Perhaps this is a good thing to have new bearings etc.
All is now a job well done, albeit I have some aches and pains to overcome.
When do you repack your van wheel bearings?
Jay&Dee
There is a product Called Ezy Wheel Lifter and I have found it helps a lot when rotating wheels etc.
https://www.crazysales.com.au/online-ezy-wheel-lifter-dolly-heavy-tyre-change-4wd-offroad-49103.html
I also grease the bearings on my tandem caravan every 10k. That way the brake liners and the magnets can be inspected as well plus the brakes get a proper adjustment also.
Old trick of the trade.:)
Regards Orid
Although nowdays I only take wheels off in emergency or in remote country - The tyre companies and breakdown services guys have nice fit and healthy guys to do manual labour.
Even the Child-bride's hatch back is relegated, when tyres need changing/repairing.
A cars front bearings only get repacked about every 150k or so.
If they're lucky.......!
I just did mine , ready for a trip over East.
Peace of mind , :)
:) :) Orid
Possum , You will find it so easy with a shovel ,I have put on large truck wheels with this method, as long as the shovel handle is strong enough of course?
Roll the wheel on to the shovel end and leverage does the rest.
Oh and you need the hub at the right hieght as you can only lift around 3-4 inches with the shovel.
Orid
Orid
-- Edited by orid on Saturday 13th of March 2021 04:32:32 PM
-- Edited by orid on Saturday 13th of March 2021 04:35:19 PM
Hi Greg 1,
Can't help myself, I and old always stop to help those in need. Call it old fashion friendship. We carry parrallel braerings for our van Plus a set of HT and Ford bearingss and dust caps for those bone heads that just get out there till sh...it happens.
In return We have made many life time friends. All I ask is the cost of those parts supplied at cost. Love to watch folks pack new bearings with bear hands, to get the message across. I do give them some Rinso and water to clean up
. You would not believe some who have wanted for Zero. I have let them know the cost of time sitting on the roadside. Plus the cost of a flatbed 24hrs later. Some are just full of themselves.
Say no more.
Grey