We're glad to officially join the Grey Nomads site after a couple of wonderful years travelling around in our Newlands van. Four and a half months last year and seven months this year. We've made many friends and have been delighted to visit so many terrific places as we have travelled around this huge country of ours. We have a hoist on the side of our van that allows disability entry and exit, and this alone has made so much possible for us that otherwise we just could not do. Now home again in north Qld for a few months before heading south to Vic and Tas for a nine month look-see.
I'm in the process of replacing the wheel bearings and am seeking advice on refitting the bearing races (cones). I'm wondering if placing them in the freezer before installing in the brake hubs would make them easier to fit. I'd appreciate any advise from more experienced caravan 'maintenance experts'. Thanks, Tony and Marijke.
I'm in the process of replacing the wheel bearings and am seeking advice on refitting the bearing races (cones). I'm wondering if placing them in the freezer before installing in the brake hubs would make them easier to fit. I'd appreciate any advise from more experienced caravan 'maintenance experts'. Thanks, Tony and Marijke.
yes it will but it will be marginal on a small bearing, best bet is to sit the hub on a solid bit of wood and use a good solid mild steel punch. I make my punches out of about 19mm round or 30 x 12 flat mild steel. I like em to be about 250 mm long. Also remember the dust cap is not a grease storage unit and marine seals are best as are Timken bearings
Thanks Blaze. I made up a punch out of a 10" ms coach bolt to remove the old races. I guess I'm a bit worried about damaging the new races when I install them. I noticed that the old (Timken red) grease was black and thin when I removed the bearings after 12K; maybe I put in too much grease which caused some overheating when I repacked thr bearings last, as I put a fair bit into the centre of the hub as well as some in the hub cap. I've ordered some Bearing Buddies and this time I've purchased marine seals. Experience sure is a great teacher eh?
Thanks for your help, much appreciated. Tony.