I have just bought an 86 Pennine Clubman folding camper, which we are going to take to Croatia mid July. I'm not really mechanically minded, but I reckon the minimum I should do is check that the wheel bearings are suitably tensioned, and take with me a spare set, just in case. The only thing is, I dont know where to find the part numbers for the bearings, can anyone help please?
I would also be grateful if anyone could point me towards an idiots guide to changing bearings, suggest other maintenance I should consider, and maybe highlight tools needed for doing the bearings.
try western towing they may help you identify which ones you need or take a grease cover of and see if you can read whats on them .I would fit the new ones before you go and keep the old ones for spares better to deal with at home than the side of the road .http://www.westerntowing.co.uk/index.html
I've no idea what type of bearings are on that, but if they are taper roller bearings then you will be able to adjust them after re-packing with grease and they will go on for ages.
If they are normal roller bearings (journal ball I think is the old term used) then they will almost certainly be pressed in and generally require the old bearings to be pressed out, and replacements to be pressed in again, not a job you can do at home although I have heard of it being done with brass punches. This is a very difficult task as you need to know which part of the bearing is safe to hit with the punches and there is a definite "knack" to it, not something I would recommend if you are anything less than a master DIYer.
Im definately not a master DIYer, but I reckon I can repack them with grease and 'adjust' them. I think thats what I will do, and hope for the best. Its just that its such a long trip, and I'm hoping to do it as quickly as possible.
Ive done it before with a boat trailer (these go in and out of water, so at greater risk), with no problems. I suppose its just going to have to be a leap of faith.
Check to see what type of bearings you are dealing with first. If they are taper rollers then you are laughing but most journal ball rollers are sealed units so you can't pack them with grease.
I've never replaced taper rollers but I do believe there are no presses needed, don't quote me on it though.
The best advice I can give is to whip the hubs off, have a good look and take it from there.
I've owned our camper 6 years & replaced the whole suspension unit in 2007. as long as the bearings are correctly set with a torque wrench & with appropriate grease you should be OK. Take the bearing hub cap off. There should be no evidence of steel grit or metal shavings anywhere. If there are, replace the bearings. Jack each wheel up, try rocking top to bottom & side to side. There shold not be any movement. Spin the wheel, it should rotate freely without any grinding or rumbling noises. I can't advise on torque wrench settings, but setting the bearings needs to be done with a suitable torque wrench to the manufacturers spec. Try Indespension. They supply complete wheel sets to lots of manufacturers. You could try the Pennine Owners Club or Pennine Group themselves to find out the figure. there will likely be a split pin to lock the castle nut in place. Always fit a new pin after adjusting the bearings. Some bearings are "sealed for life". These will have rubber seals on the outer edge. Others require packing with suitable grease. Some wheel units have a grease nipple on the outside. To replace brearings yourself, remove the centre castle nut & the hub should pull apart. You'll beed a selection of soft bars & tubes to fit the diameter of the bearings as well as bearing pullers to take the inner race off. These can be very tight. Unless you know what you are doing, I'd let a mechanic do it because unless the new ones go on absolutely clean & true you are wasting your efforts. I certainly wouldn't be replacing them at the roadside abroad.
Quote: Originally posted by Steve McV on 20/6/2011
What he said. Whip the hubs off, have a look. If you find any sign of corrosion, obvious signs of wear or anything other than grease then they probably need replacement. Otherwise, have 'em out, clean 'em up then re-fit with shiney new grease an you _should_ be ok.*
But if you don't know what you are doing with a set of spanners, either get a friend to help who does or pay someone. If one of the hubs fail then there is the distinct possibility of wheels falling off &/ the hub catching fire.
Other things to look at whilst you are under:
Tyre condition:
Are they round? (jack the unit up until you can just see daylight under the wheel, then spin the wheel. If the quanity of daylight changes, then they are out of round.)
Sidewalls: Any signs of cuts, bulging or other damage?
Ageing: Any signs of crazing or cracking?
Failing any of these tests means new tyres.
brakes:
Do the wheels spin freely with the handbrake off?
Do they make any funny noises when applied?
Do you reach the end of travel on the brake leaver?
Is there still plenty of life left in the pads?
If it has overrun brakes, are they even or do they pull to the side?
Clean/adjust as nessesary.
Chassis:
Is it rotten anywhere?
Electrics:
Any sign of damage/chaffing?
Hitch:
Grease as relevant
* = 'learned the hard way' tip #15328. Not all grease/oil is created equal. Spring for the good stuff, because it works better & lasts longer.
Post last edited on 20/06/2011 20:06:14
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Topic: Wheel bearings on FC
