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DanHoug
Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2016
Posts: 4753
Location: Bemidji, MN
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 Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2024 9:40 am Post subject: Changing rear wheel bearing while on the road |
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You can’t. Or at least i can’t. Between the axle nut tightened to a bazillion ft lbs and the need to press/drive the bearing out most mortals would be SOL. I do however travel with a kit of the bearings, seals, and circlip.
entered Cholla Campground 100 miles outside of Phoenix to a terrible grinding sound at slow speed. Death sounds. Was hoping it was a CV joint but upon jacking up the rear tire found i had about 1/4” of wobble in the wheel. Dang. Bearing. Reached out to Tony (TopBud), Kamz, and Andrew and the consensus was get to Phoenix and go to Affordable German. I called Bill at Affordable German and explained my situation, traveling from MN. He paused, then said “Be here at 10am”. Wow. I asked if he thought i’d make it a 100 miles with that much play and he said “Oh you’ll make it. But you will likely need a new hub, spindle, and maybe a brake backing plate. I have all of those.”
Arrived an hour early. Phoenix rush hour is crazy busy for us from rural northern MN. Bill put it on the lift and knew exactly what he was doing. Was able to drive the bearing out with an impact hammer after the driveshaft was removed, and saw i escaped wobble damage. The spindle was unmarred, the housing bore tight, and the brake backing plate had minor scraping (the Death Sound). Drew the new bearings in with an old VW Rabbit puller he had from 30 years ago, reversed the axle shaft, and sent us on our way 3 hours later. Took a call while he was working and told them he wouldnt have their car done that day because he was helping some stranded travelers, so if that was your VW or Audi, i apologize! SUPER nice guy, forearm calibrated in ft lbs.
Here’s a Google image of Affordable German. Yes, those are mostly Vanagons, VWs, Rialtas, and Audis. Bill runs a repair shop and salvage yard for his own parts supply. I asked Bill if he wanted folks to know about all the Vanagons and he said sure BUT he doesnt want people picking their own parts (bad experiences with folk ruining panels etc to get a $0.50 clip) and he wont pull any part for less than $50 as it just isnt worth his time away from servicing customer vehicles. Highly recommended, just don't expect a pristine shop and Krups machine.
_________________
-dan
60% of what you find on the internet is wrong, including this post.
'87 Westy & '89 Westy both 2.1 4spd
Past projects can be found at--
www.thefixitworkshop.com
Last edited by DanHoug on Mon Mar 25, 2024 10:46 am; edited 4 times in total |
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E1
Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2013
Posts: 6520
Location: Westfalia, Earth
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| Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2024 9:51 am Post subject: Re: Changing rear wheel bearing while on the road |
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I love hearing this, Dan — and certainly not surprised Kamz helped. 
Heard great things about this place, but surely next time we need them they’ll be 1,400 miles away. 
Congrats!!!
_________________
‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16496
Location: Brookeville, MD
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E1
Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2013
Posts: 6520
Location: Westfalia, Earth
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| Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2024 10:19 am Post subject: Re: Changing rear wheel bearing while on the road |
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| dobryan wrote: |
Awesome! 
I just had a similar positive experience at a shop on my way to Key West a couple days ago. |
Sunshine Auto Garage?
_________________
‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman |
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shagginwagon83
Samba Member
Joined: February 07, 2016
Posts: 3794
Location: VA/TN
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| Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2024 10:21 am Post subject: Re: Changing rear wheel bearing while on the road |
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I've been updating my spare parts and tools recently, focusing on the rear wheel bearing kit. Given its complexity, it's daunting to consider roadside repairs. However, is it feasible?
Key Points:
-Rear Axle Nut: Approximately torqued to 330ft/lbs. A suggested workaround is welding a 3/4" drive head to a high lift jack, using a 40/44mm socket.
-Dowel Pin: My experience involves heating to remove the original pin.
Would a garage be the only solution, especially if you have the parts and tools?
Or, in a scenario like being remote in Baja, could the pressing of the bearing be the deal-breaker for roadside repair?
_________________
Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan
Last edited by shagginwagon83 on Mon Mar 25, 2024 10:27 am; edited 2 times in total |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16496
Location: Brookeville, MD
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E1
Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2013
Posts: 6520
Location: Westfalia, Earth
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| Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2024 10:30 am Post subject: Re: Changing rear wheel bearing while on the road |
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Thanks Dave.
_________________
‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman |
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DanHoug
Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2016
Posts: 4753
Location: Bemidji, MN
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| Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2024 10:38 am Post subject: Re: Changing rear wheel bearing while on the road |
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| shagginwagon83 wrote: |
| I've been updating my spare parts and tools recently, focusing on the rear wheel bearing kit. Given its complexity, it's daunting to consider roadside repairs. However, is it feasible? |
Ill let others chime in that have done it roadside. No way could i have done with what i carry.
But here’s what i learned…. I’d been hearing a very slight bearing noise on deceleration for months. I thought it was something in the transaxle and hoped it wouldnt affect the trip. It got louder 2,000 miles into the trip and sorta made me nervous. It was the rear wheel bearing as it went away COMPLETELY after the bearing replacement. Before each major trip i will now jack up each rear wheel and give it a shake. If loose, change the bearings before you head out. Last time i’d checked the play was for the rear brake job a long time ago. Lesson learned. And very grateful for a once again quiet transaxle!
_________________
-dan
60% of what you find on the internet is wrong, including this post.
'87 Westy & '89 Westy both 2.1 4spd
Past projects can be found at--
www.thefixitworkshop.com
Last edited by DanHoug on Mon Mar 25, 2024 2:53 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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elizer 
Samba Member
Joined: May 02, 2016
Posts: 1461
Location: Northern Virginia
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| Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2024 11:00 am Post subject: Re: Changing rear wheel bearing while on the road |
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| dobryan wrote: |
| E1 wrote: |
| dobryan wrote: |
Awesome!
I just had a similar positive experience at a shop on my way to Key West a couple days ago. |
Sunshine Auto Garage? |
Complete Auto Care in Staunton, VA. Keith McDonald's shop. |
+1
Excellent shop. Keith Did my suspension stuff the first go around in 2016. Also got my stock a/c blowing cold (compressor blew as I left the dealership first time getting a we owe paperwork). It's right off 81 exit 222ish. Go to Kathy's diner and get some food while you wait.
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91 3 knob syncro, fas 1.9tdi |
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Wildthings
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Joined: March 13, 2005
Posts: 50332
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| Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2024 11:16 am Post subject: Re: Changing rear wheel bearing while on the road |
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Most people never do a repack on these bearing, but doing a partial repack is very easy. When doing brake work remove the hub and pop out the outer wheel seal. Then use a grease gun with a needle to pump grease between the bearings, getting out whatever old grease you can. Once done, wipe off the excess grease between the bearing and where the seal sits to give some airspace for expansion of the grease. Install a new seal and go on with your brake work.
If you ever find a need to replace the inner seal and don't want to deal with removing the bearings from the housing, do a more extensive regrease using the same method. |
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khughes
Samba Member
Joined: July 13, 2013
Posts: 747
Location: Phoenix AZ
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| Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2024 12:26 pm Post subject: Re: Changing rear wheel bearing while on the road |
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| E1 wrote: |
I love hearing this, Dan — and certainly not surprised Kamz helped.
Heard great things about this place, but surely next time we need them they’ll be 1,400 miles away. |
Man, I live in Phoenix, and Affordable is *still* a long drive! Bill knows these beasts though, and having a Vanagon wrecking yard there comes in very handy 
And I can't believe Doug hit the true rush hour coming down I-17, he didn't use one single curse word! He'd still be cursing if he'd hit when it was BAD. 
_________________
'86 Westy FAS GenV Turbo (Marvin) |
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DanHoug
Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2016
Posts: 4753
Location: Bemidji, MN
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| Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2024 12:28 pm Post subject: Re: Changing rear wheel bearing while on the road |
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| Wildthings wrote: |
Most people never do a repack on these bearing, but doing a partial repack is very easy. When doing brake work remove the hub and pop out the outer wheel seal. Then use a grease gun with a needle to pump grease between the bearings, getting out whatever old grease you can. Once done, wipe off the excess grease between the bearing and where the seal sits to give some airspace for expansion of the grease. Install a new seal and go on with your brake work.
If you ever find a need to replace the inner seal and don't want to deal with removing the bearings from the housing, do a more extensive regrease using the same method. |
Mine were dry dry dry. A repack would have staved off replacement at 259,000 miles! Axle stub had to be driven out with an air hammer, MN rust and all.
_________________
-dan
60% of what you find on the internet is wrong, including this post.
'87 Westy & '89 Westy both 2.1 4spd
Past projects can be found at--
www.thefixitworkshop.com |
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E1
Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2013
Posts: 6520
Location: Westfalia, Earth
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| Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2024 1:34 pm Post subject: Re: Changing rear wheel bearing while on the road |
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Veddy intedesting……
Our rears have Zerk fittings just for this purpose… perhaps I should use them.
_________________
‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman |
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DanHoug
Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2016
Posts: 4753
Location: Bemidji, MN
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| Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2024 1:43 pm Post subject: Re: Changing rear wheel bearing while on the road |
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| E1 wrote: |
Veddy intedesting……
Our rears have Zerk fittings just for this purpose… perhaps I should use them. |
Whaaa?! You add them? Picture please?! There was still grease between the collar and the hub but the bearings were pretty dry, outer one being the driest and the failed one. It'd be great to have a zerk to refill them.
_________________
-dan
60% of what you find on the internet is wrong, including this post.
'87 Westy & '89 Westy both 2.1 4spd
Past projects can be found at--
www.thefixitworkshop.com |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32565
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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E1
Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2013
Posts: 6520
Location: Westfalia, Earth
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| Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2024 2:00 pm Post subject: Re: Changing rear wheel bearing while on the road |
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| DanHoug wrote: |
| E1 wrote: |
Veddy intedesting……
Our rears have Zerk fittings just for this purpose… perhaps I should use them. |
Whaaa?! You add them? Picture please?! There was still grease between the collar and the hub but the bearings were pretty dry, outer one being the driest and the failed one. It'd be great to have a zerk to refill them. |
I’m texting the photo to you.
I posted it a minute ago, but if it’s not done right I sure don’t want it seen here.
_________________
‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman |
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DanHoug
Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2016
Posts: 4753
Location: Bemidji, MN
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| Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2024 3:12 pm Post subject: Re: Changing rear wheel bearing while on the road |
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| khughes wrote: |
And I can't believe Doug hit the true rush hour coming down I-17, he didn't use one single curse word! He'd still be cursing if he'd hit when it was BAD. |
I’ll assume you mean me, Dan. The transposition is so common my co-workers gave me company jacket with “Doug” embroidered on it!
We had a meal and left town at around 4pm. Seemed like rush hour as we were parked frequently in 5 lanes of traffic. 45 minutes out of Phoenix my wife says “Oh oh”. Purse forgotten in wood fired pizza place back downtown. She called, it was still there, possibly a function of the 20% tip we’d left and headed back into Phoenix. Why is there just as much traffic going into Phoenix as out? 45 minute trip back in, 45 minute trip back out to where we’d been. No swear words. My wife had been so patient waiting for the unscheduled repair in a crappy old van we didnt have to take i couldn’t be upset. Part of the journey. The pizza was great.
_________________
-dan
60% of what you find on the internet is wrong, including this post.
'87 Westy & '89 Westy both 2.1 4spd
Past projects can be found at--
www.thefixitworkshop.com |
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human compass
Samba Member
Joined: June 04, 2013
Posts: 423
Location: Flagstaff,AZ
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| Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2024 5:10 pm Post subject: Re: Changing rear wheel bearing while on the road |
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Bill is amazing, He's done some great work for me. Helps that he drives an SVX vanagon like mine!
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84 Westy Syncro- 3.3L SVX stage 2 tune,subaru gears 6speed with tbd, front locker, porche brakes x4, aux tank, radflo susp |
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khughes
Samba Member
Joined: July 13, 2013
Posts: 747
Location: Phoenix AZ
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| Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2024 5:34 pm Post subject: Re: Changing rear wheel bearing while on the road |
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| DanHoug wrote: |
| khughes wrote: |
And I can't believe Doug hit the true rush hour coming down I-17, he didn't use one single curse word! He'd still be cursing if he'd hit when it was BAD. |
I’ll assume you mean me, Dan. The transposition is so common my co-workers gave me company jacket with “Doug” embroidered on it!
We had a meal and left town at around 4pm. Seemed like rush hour as we were parked frequently in 5 lanes of traffic. 45 minutes out of Phoenix my wife says “Oh oh”. Purse forgotten in wood fired pizza place back downtown. She called, it was still there, possibly a function of the 20% tip we’d left and headed back into Phoenix. Why is there just as much traffic going into Phoenix as out? 45 minute trip back in, 45 minute trip back out to where we’d been. No swear words. My wife had been so patient waiting for the unscheduled repair in a crappy old van we didnt have to take i couldn’t be upset. Part of the journey. The pizza was great. |
Yeah...you caught me in a lysdexic moment
Traffic is miserable on most freeways in both directions. I-17 is probably the worst. I've been driving here for >50 years, each one worse than the last. Pretending to be LA. Sounds like it all worked out well for you though
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'86 Westy FAS GenV Turbo (Marvin) |
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Vanagon Nut
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Joined: February 08, 2008
Posts: 10365
Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
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| Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2024 5:53 pm Post subject: Re: Changing rear wheel bearing while on the road |
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| Wildthings wrote: |
....Then use a grease gun with a needle to pump grease between the bearings, getting out whatever old grease you can. ...
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I used a different colour grease (green) when I did that. Kept pumping until I saw green. Of note, be careful of the needle if using a thin needle.
Doug: nice find on the shop. Sounds like a "one man" operation? Glad it worked out.
I too pack a rear wheel bearing kit. Now I know!
Neil.
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1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
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