Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: poolenglish on June 14, 2015, 02:48:06 pm
Title: wheel fell off
Post by: poolenglish on June 14, 2015, 02:48:06 pm
I need a wheel spindle for my U225. The starboard front wheel broke off today while on the freeway. does anyone know where and what part number to get it? thanks
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on June 14, 2015, 02:58:56 pm
Is everyone OK? What are the details of this event? Must have been exciting! Sorry, can't help with part numbers. What is your location?
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: poolenglish on June 14, 2015, 03:14:39 pm
Is everyone OK? What are the details of this event? Must have been exciting! Sorry, can't help with part numbers. What is your location?
We stopped to check a big noise after hitting something 4am....after 70 ft of noise and the rig just went plop to the ground and scraped another 15 feet on the brake pads. Wheel, tire and drum fell off , ground brake pads, buggered up spindle and bent the leveling jack mount I would post pics her but don't have a url for the pic insert. I am hoping my insurance covers the damage,
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: wolfe10 on June 14, 2015, 03:28:14 pm
OK this is really rare.
Do you know yet the CAUSE of this?
Did the wheel bearings seize up?
Was there still oil in the wet bath for the bearings? Signs of oil leakage?
Bearings WAY out of adjustment causing "hammering" on the axle nut?
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: poolenglish on June 14, 2015, 03:37:37 pm
Was there still oil in the wet bath for the bearings? Signs of oil leakage?
Bearings WAY out of adjustment causing "hammering" on the axle nut?
do not know the cause yet, how do I insert pics here? steering knuckle good, king pin good, spindle has grease on it. wheel and drum are connected together (on the ground) inner berring has grease on it. <img src="http://www.foreforums.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=2809" alt="" />
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on June 14, 2015, 04:17:16 pm
Interesting with the nut still on spindle. :headwall: Or did I miss something ? Would have to guess the outer small bearing come apart (Dry, no lube)? That would allow the assembly to come off over the nut, jus a SWAG. Have never seen such a happening.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: Pamela & Mike on June 14, 2015, 04:18:42 pm
With your axle on the ground you still may be able to see the axle ID tag. It should have a serial number and with that you should be able to trace down the spindle that came on the axle from the factory.
In the pic. it appears that the wheel bearing nut is still in place. Is that what we see on the end of the spindle?
Pamela & Mike
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: poolenglish on June 14, 2015, 04:22:00 pm
With your axle on the ground you still may be able to see the axle ID tag. It should have a serial number and with that you should be able to trace down the spindle that came on the axle from the factory.
In the pic. it appears that the wheel bearing nut is still in place. Is that what we see on the end of the spindle?
Pamela & Mike
I found the nut on the ground next to the tire, dry warped and stripped, I hope a replacement is available and insurance will cover it.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: Pamela & Mike on June 14, 2015, 04:39:03 pm
You should be able to find a replacement as those axles were used in other applications. It won't be cheep but should be available. Those should be oil bath bearings, you could have had a seal leak and run the bearing dry causing a massive bearing failure. Just a WAG
Pamela & Mike
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: stump on June 14, 2015, 05:09:47 pm
The axle might be ok did the oiter bearing spin on it? If the surface looks ok you might be able to clean it up with some emory cloth and replace the inner and outer bearings and races and seal along with a new nut.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: wolfe10 on June 14, 2015, 05:13:41 pm
Just had a long conversation with him on this.
Spindle is shot-- bottom of it is ground off-- probably rode on the brake drum after it came off.
He is calling his insurance company tomorrow. And with the axle model and serial number off the front axle, calling Meritor who bought Rockwell.
Don't know yet what failed. I have him a list of things to check.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: poolenglish on June 14, 2015, 05:22:16 pm
Not a common happening, but not unheard of either. I suffered the same problem a couple of years ago... got mine off the road before the wheel fell off, but had to replace the spindle anyway as the inner race was welded to the spindle and the threads were shot.
My hub was definitely not dry, had not been messed with since wheel seal replacement 7 years prior...I suspect adjusting nut lock/retainer failed for some reason and being starboard side, tightened itself as it rolled along. Port side would loosen as it rolled along should it suffer the same failure......
Don't have the part # for you...probably not the same spindle anyhow.
Ralph 96 U270
Thanx ralph! did your insurance pay for the repair????? and also where did you get the replacement spindle?
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: sedelange on June 14, 2015, 05:37:26 pm
Why doesn't his insurance have a 24 hr number for emergencies?
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: wolfe10 on June 14, 2015, 05:53:31 pm
Totally different spindle/axle/brakes between U225 and U270.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: poolenglish on June 15, 2015, 01:38:58 pm
An update about the steering spindle replacement. I called meritor and they do not have and have not listed the axle spindle since 2007. My front axle model number is Rockwell 2FD 931RSAK 18 , the spindle part number is A3111D2162 . I contacted an axle shop and the said it can be repaired if it is not bent (fingers crossed) . The motorhome rides awesome and solid, I am hoping insurance will repair it, estimator has not been out to look at it yet, they said today or tomorrow the adjuster will be here to look at it. I was also told I might be able to replace the complete front axle with a newer one, the same length. With a newer air brake system that would hook up to the lines. The wedge brakes might be a problem, I have not gotten to that point to find the shoes yet. Does anyone know where to get the brake shoes for my coach? thank you again friends and brett wolfe10 is a great help!
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: wolfe10 on June 15, 2015, 02:02:03 pm
Quite likely if the metal part of the shoe is still OK you can find a local OTR truck brake-reline shop to put on new friction material. Will want to do both front wheels at the same time so the friction material will be the same.
If the spindle is not salvageable, check with Colaws and other RV wrecking yards for one. Will likely need to rebush and install new king pins, but this is pretty straightforward and any OTR truck front end shop can do it.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: Pamela & Mike on June 15, 2015, 03:18:27 pm
You may also try Plunk's in Monroe, LA as they have a large truck wrecking yard. This is the last # I have for them (318) 322-1491 as we usually just rum over there to get what we need.
Pamela & Mike
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: poolenglish on June 15, 2015, 03:40:15 pm
You may also try Plunk's in Monroe, LA as they have a large truck wrecking yard. This is the last # I have for them (318) 322-1491 as we usually just rum over there to get what we need.
Pamela & Mike
thx I just called....NO DICE.... bummer ty anyways
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: wolfe10 on June 15, 2015, 03:49:37 pm
Would be a great help if Meritor could tell you what other axles shared the same spindle and brakes.
The axle is fairly unique: Narrow track, light GAWR and wedge brakes.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: poolenglish on June 15, 2015, 09:25:03 pm
I haven't heard from insurance today..... but a couple of truck drivers recommended axle surgeons to repair it on the vehicle. http://axlesurgeons.com has anyone have any experience with them?
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: Mogan David on June 15, 2015, 09:25:11 pm
Negative on my insurance...it being a mechanical failure, I didn't even bother to file a claim. I replaced my hub also as the bearing had spun in it....both came from Meritor.
Ralph 96 U270
As a retired Claims Rep (aka "Adjuster") "Negative on my insurance" is BS"!!! They do NOT owe for the cause of loss (mechanical failure). The DO OWE for the consequential damage which was done by COLLISION with the roadway. You do have collision, right? Had the bearing gotten so hot that it set the coach ablaze and destroyed it, you would have had a comprehensive loss. Technically, ins would then owe for the entire coach EXCEPT for the offending bearing.
ps I wrote this based on reply 14, from which I inferred that they already turned you down (at the agency level). Subsequently, you state that you have not heard from them yet. Perhaps in #20 you mean you are waiting to hear from a claims department.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: poolenglish on June 15, 2015, 09:41:13 pm
As a retired Claims Rep (aka "Adjuster") "Negative on my insurance" is BS"!!! They do NOT owe for the cause of loss (mechanical failure). The DO OWE for the consequential damage which was done by COLLISION with the roadway. You do have collision, right? Had the bearing gotten so hot that it set the coach ablaze and destroyed it, you would have had a comprehensive loss. Technically, ins would then owe for the entire coach EXCEPT for the offending bearing.
ps I wrote this based on reply 14, from which I inferred that they already turned you down (at the agency level). Subsequently, you state that you have not heard from them yet. Perhaps in #20 you mean you are waiting to hear from a claims department.
I do have collision coverage, I hit something hard, very hard maybe a pothole or a road repair seam a couple times ( a few minutes )before the ultimate failure. The insurance company told me to get an estimate, but I told them that the rig was not drivable and the are sending an adjuster to my house where it is. Any suggestions how to handle this with the adjuster Mogan David (kool name) ? I might change my name to Mad Dog 20/20 lol.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: Mogan David on June 15, 2015, 10:05:13 pm
" Any suggestions how to handle this with the adjuster Mogan David " Declare what you just posted. That is, tell the claims rep that you had a harsh impact with something, but could not go back to see what it was. We have all seen horrendous obstacles and hazards in the roadway. Sometimes we do not see them in time to avoid them. Sometimes we see them but are unable to take evasive action. Sometimes, particularly if we are close behind another large vehicle, we might feel something hit without ever seeing it at all.
When I was going through MO on the Interstate with my old Barth, on my way to CA, I almost always stayed in the far right lane. could only go about 60mph. The Holy Spirit told me to move to the center lane right before a curve and slight grade. I saw no good reason to do so, but did change lanes. As soon as I did, I came upon a massive step bumper, like off a 2 ton service vehicle, laying almost all the way across the right lane. Just beyond, were a couple cars on the shoulder with tires blown out. DO NOT be hostile with the claim rep. If he denies any or all of the claim, at his level, enlist the help of your agent to appeal. If your coach were drivable, I'd urge you to come up here to Complete Truck Repair in Jackson. I have much confidence in them for chassis work. By the way, my given name is "Mark". The MD of Mogan David (not Mogen David) merely corresponds with my initials. The screen name has nothing to do with the Star Of David either.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: poolenglish on June 15, 2015, 10:15:41 pm
" Any suggestions how to handle this with the adjuster Mogan David " Declare what you just posted. That is, tell the claims rep that you had a harsh impact with something, but could not go back to see what it was. We have all seen horrendous obstacles and hazards in the roadway. Sometimes we do not see them in time to avoid them. Sometimes we see them but are unable to take evasive action. Sometimes, particularly if we are close behind another large vehicle, we might feel something hit without ever seeing it at all.
When I was going through MO on the Interstate with my old Barth, on my way to CA, I almost always stayed in the far right lane. could only go about 60mph. The Holy Spirit told me to move to the center lane right before a curve and slight grade. I saw no good reason to do so, but did change lanes. As soon as I did, I came upon a massive step bumper, like off a 2 ton service vehicle, laying almost all the way across the right lane. Just beyond, were a couple cars on the shoulder with tires blown out. DO NOT be hostile with the claim rep. If he denies any or all of the claim, at his level, enlist the help of your agent to appeal. If your coach were drivable, I'd urge you to come up here to Complete Truck Repair in Jackson. I have much confidence in them for chassis work. By the way, my given name is "Mark". The MD of Mogan David (not Mogen David) merely corresponds with my initials. The screen name has nothing to do with the Star Of David either.
Thank you for sharing your faith with us, it does inspire me. Also I do believe honesty is the best policy and to praise god in all things. I will definitely take your advice and thanks also for that.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: poolenglish on June 16, 2015, 10:12:22 am
Axle Surgeons called today; NO dice . They do not repair steering spindles . My insurance adjuster will be here tomorrow.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: Dave and Nancy Abel on June 16, 2015, 12:46:14 pm
Howdy poolenglish, I think Brett mentioned Colaw's RV Salvage. Here's a link: Colaw RV - New & Used RVs (http://colawrv.com/) These guys have a ton of stuff, hopefully, they can help you out. Good Luck, Dave A
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: poolenglish on June 16, 2015, 01:13:26 pm
Nothing from any salvage yard, Meritor could not tell me what other vehicles used the same axle. The axle is 2fd 931rsax18 on the tag ; meritor said the updated number is fd961 lx10 . The spindle part number is A3111L2196 and the updated number is A3111d2162 . If I can possibly put a complete newer axle with air brakes; kingpin intersection to kingpin intersection is 69.00 (what meritor said), and spring mounts are 35.00 and how do I find a compadible one?
I am lost now, I do not know what to do, I hope the insurance will know. I love(d) the rig, it rode so smooth and solid, now it is on jacks in my driveway. Who would have ever thought a 1992 was old and obsolete!
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: wolfe10 on June 16, 2015, 01:13:43 pm
Yup, hard to believe there are no Foretravels in wrecking yards that meet your specs. If they or anyone else has a Foretravel U225, that will certainly be a fit.
I would check with James Triana at Foretravel as to whether the same axle was used for all years of U225's and whether it was the same as that used on the U240 which was also narrow track and wedge brakes.
You are getting "past my pay grade" to know how mixing S-Cam air brakes in front (axle replacement) would work with the air wedge brakes in the back.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: poolenglish on June 16, 2015, 01:52:36 pm
This is what just happened; I called foretravel of texas ...wow this is messed up, I have to pay $100 membership dues to speak to James Triana! Very disappointed.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: Kemahjohn on June 16, 2015, 02:12:03 pm
I just took a look at an expanded view of your pictures. As a last resort, it looks like you might have enough threads left on the spindle to hold the nut. I would take the spindle to a machine shop, have it checked for straightness, have them clean up the threads and see if it will hold the nut with the bearings in place. I would back up the nut with an additional lock nut to insure it stay put.
A competent machinist can weld up the ground off part of the spindle and remachine and rethread it. You will have to look around to find a machinist to do this type of work, but they exist. It might be a little pricy, but it can be done. They would have to keep the remainder of the spindle cool while welding to retain the heat treating, but that is not difficult.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on June 16, 2015, 02:18:41 pm
This place had a 1993 Foretravel they were parting out 2 years ago. Might check to see if axle is still available (if it is the correct model). (Scroll down the page about 2/3 to bottom for photos of the coach)
http://www.facebook.com/UniqueAutomotiveServices
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: wolfe10 on June 16, 2015, 02:31:10 pm
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: John Haygarth on June 16, 2015, 02:59:35 pm
How about taking the brake parts off and seeing if a total new shaft can be machined using the original as copy?? I do not know how it is affixed but surely if no other piece is available this may be the way to go. Discuss with Ins adjuster!! JohnH
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: poolenglish on June 16, 2015, 03:21:44 pm
This place had a 1993 Foretravel they were parting out 2 years ago. Might check to see if axle is still available (if it is the correct model). (Scroll down the page about 2/3 to bottom for photos of the coach)
http://www.facebook.com/UniqueAutomotiveServices
CAJK; You ARE AWESOME! I think it might be a go, he said they have it, now I hope it is the same axle number...he is checking.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: Barry & Cindy on June 16, 2015, 03:45:44 pm
Googled Truck front axle repair and came up with several options including this one: Axle & Spindle Truck Repair (http://www.mobileaxlerepair.com/mobile_repair.php)
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: poolenglish on June 16, 2015, 03:49:59 pm
Googled Truck front axle repair and came up with several options including this one: Axle & Spindle Truck Repair (http://www.mobileaxlerepair.com/mobile_repair.php)
I tried them, but ty. they do not do steering axles
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: Jeff & Sandy on June 16, 2015, 03:53:51 pm
This forum really is amazing. As a new coach owner it is so comforting knowing so much help and experience is available here.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: dkoeberle on June 16, 2015, 04:48:53 pm
This is what just happened; I called foretravel of texas ...wow this is messed up, I have to pay $100 membership dues to speak to James Triana! Very disappointed.
Did you know that the first year of membership is free for new owners? -David
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: Michelle on June 16, 2015, 05:04:47 pm
Did you know that the first year of membership is free for new owners? -David
I bought the coach 11 months ago and the girl at foretravel said that I did not pay my dues for the year. I did register when I bought it and thought it was for a year free, but it must be for the remainder of the year you bought it.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: Rick on June 16, 2015, 09:15:02 pm
....it must be for the remainder of the year you bought it.
That's correct. good luck,
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: Pamela & Mike on June 19, 2015, 09:45:28 pm
poolenglish, Well did the axle that Chuck found in post 30 fit? Last word was the owner was checking measurements.
Pamela & Mike
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: poolenglish on June 19, 2015, 10:33:01 pm
I spoke with the man with the foretravel for parts and he said he would "check the axle number and it probably is the right one" and he has not answered his phone the last 3 days. My insurance has not gotten back to me about estimate. The adjuster looked at it and is getting prices. I am hoping.. if worse come to worse case the spindle can be pressed out of the knuckle and remade in a lathe and repressed in. I have seen this done on youtube, but I do not know if or who can do it for a heavy application like this coach. I just hope this guy will call me back about the part he has and I need.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: Roland Begin on June 20, 2015, 02:34:30 pm
I had that done to a Mor Rude axle in Canada a few years back. Mor Ryde would not ship only a spindle to replace the one that was damaged claiming the shop I was at could not possibly press a new spindle in never mind taking the old one out. Pis..d off the machinist so he hung up on them. Pressed out the old spindle, machined a new one and pressed it in. Am certain a good machinist can do yours as well. Operative word here is "good".
Roland
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: wa_desert_rat on June 20, 2015, 02:50:21 pm
I am always amazed at the depth and spread of knowledge on this forum. I should probably be used to it by now, but I'm not. I watched this thread closely as another U225 owner. I hope you find a fix.
Is there something I should have checked on my '93?
Craig
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: wolfe10 on June 20, 2015, 02:54:08 pm
Back to the basic questions:
Is this a greased bearing or oil bath?
What was the condition of the bearings when the failure occurred?
What actually failed/what was the cause of the failure.
This will be of value to other owners.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on June 20, 2015, 03:35:38 pm
Seems one of the axle nuts was found in the hub cover, that would indicate very poor mechanic practice, not locking the bearing preload adjustment. Would recommend a shop that has a clue unlike the last one.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: JohnFitz on June 20, 2015, 04:03:58 pm
Looking at photo CAM00152 in the recent photo albums it looks like water got inside the bearings. The oil is rust colored and there are water droplets round it. http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=media;sa=media;in=2810
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: poolenglish on June 20, 2015, 06:10:36 pm
When I find out more from the insurance I will let everyone know. ; hopefully Monday 6-22 I will know and decide how to procede.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: Caflashbob on June 20, 2015, 07:12:47 pm
Wedge brakes ? Instead of S Cam type. Drum & shoes, interesting, Retarder ?
I think because the secondary and dirt enviourment the coaches were made to be used in the thought was that the wedge brakes had a full backing plate. If memory serves me s cams had open shoes.
Heard of crystallized brake drums from logging truckers getting the open drums hot then going through a water crossing repeatedly.
I am a off roader and an open drum does not seem as sealed as a backing plate setup.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: Michelle on June 20, 2015, 09:07:15 pm
Wedge brakes ? Instead of S Cam type. Drum & shoes, interesting, Retarder ?
What does this have to do with the wheel falling off? Probably should have started a new topic or these few posts need to be split off from this topic.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: stump on June 21, 2015, 09:11:59 am
What is the mount measurments on your axle? what is the distance king pin to kingpin and any other measurments?
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: poolenglish on June 21, 2015, 09:43:22 am
Maby these might help Precision Axle -Portland Oregon Spindle Repair, Kingpin, Steer, Truck,... (http://axlemaster.biz/index.html) MERITOR-ROCKWELL FD-931 AXLE ASSEMBLY, FRONT (STEER) #597202 - Detail... (http://www.acmeequip.com/detailview.php?vehicle=597202&store=13&vendor=254076&searchnum=1) 1989 PETERBILT 210 (Stock #9270) | Front Axles, Complete | Truck Parts Inventory (http://truckpartsinventory.com/parts/details/80602741)
Thanks STUMP, I might have to research that, I talk to insurance company tomorrow.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: poolenglish on June 22, 2015, 10:03:47 pm
Does anyone know what weight axle that I need to replace the existing one? 9000lb, 10,000, 11,000 ? or what weight? The insurance estimator is looking into complete front axle replacement. He said the problem might be; the heavy duty truck axles have 10 lug and he does not know weather the 6 lug brake drum will interchange or fit the replacement axle to match my wheels.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: wolfe10 on June 22, 2015, 11:03:34 pm
Your GVWR sticker on the driver's wall will give you the GAWR. But, the axle model and serial should be sufficient for specs.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: poolenglish on June 22, 2015, 11:16:23 pm
Well I found the identical axle complete and I can pick it up Saturday $1000, will the insurance company pay me to repair it?... rather than pay $570 to have it towed to a frame and axle shop (only 16 miles btw), and pay their labor for repair on top of that? Can the insurance give an estimate on replacing an axle labor time? The adjuster had no luck on finding the parts and I let him know I have found them. Will they give me the option of doing the repairs myself?
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: wolfe10 on June 22, 2015, 11:25:35 pm
No idea what he will do, but you/he should be able to come up with a reasonable labor estimate. A call to Foretravel service department for a written estimate they can e-mail you would be a first stop.
But, if the axles are not exactly the same (wheel bolt pattern, brakes, etc) then additional labor to change components would be necessary.
The other option would be to just remove parts from the new axle to replace broken parts on your coach. But, make sure you have matching brake shoes and good "very close to same diameter" brake drums on both sides.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: Mogan David on June 25, 2015, 10:06:42 am
I agree w Brett -- ins. claim dept. should pay you the reasonably necessary cost of repair (labor and material), less deductible. My insurer paid my earthen-berm-encounter damage according to a Michigan shop estimate to put it back as it was. I mean with Ford truck headlamps, etc.. They might not have cashed out with me if I had a lien. I put the settlement toward getting a euro headlamp conversion, in conjunction with structural repairs, at Xtreme.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: poolenglish on July 01, 2015, 02:33:09 pm
I am picking up the replacement Axle now. now I have to figure out how to lube the oil bath bearings and gree grease the bearings on the replacement Axle before I install it
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: stump on July 01, 2015, 07:47:14 pm
I am picking up the replacement Axle now. now I have to figure out how to lube the oil bath bearings and gree grease the bearings on the replacement Axle before I install it
You will remove the hubcap,there is a rubber plug in the middle. Remove the bolts that secure it to the hub,have a drain pan to catch the oil. There will probably be a cotter key,remove it and the nut, there probably will be a washer under the nut, Once these are off the hub will slide off the axle. The seal in the rear of the hub will need to be replaced,Take a pry bar and pop it out of the hub the rear bearing will now come out clean everything up and inspect the bearing rollers and the races in the hub for pitting and unusual wear,any signs replace them. Clean the hub up and wipe it all dry, Depending on the seal you choose to use ,I like Stemco myself you will need a installation tool for it. They are available online under 20 bucks.If everything looks good reinstall ,Oil up your rear bearing some and lay it in the race then insert rear seal and using driver set it in place,lube up the outer bearing and have it close by. Pour some hub oil in the hub and slip it on the axle,avoid putting the seal in a bind slip the outer bearing onto the axle and then the washer and nut tighten the nut down just to hold everything in place,Then follow these procedures to adjust your wheel bearing http://www.timken.com/en-us/solutions/automotive/aftermarket/heavyduty/Documents/Timken-Wheel-Adjustment-Procedures.pdf when bearings are adjusted ,reinstall cotter key or double nut whatever type the set up is and then,You will need a new gasket for the hubcaps, reinstall the hubcap and fill oil level to the line on hubcap window. I like to use Lucas Hub oil in my steer axles myself You can get it at any truckstop, Fleetpride, TruckPro, Etc. Yes they will sell to you take your old parts in and they will hook you up. I dont think I missed anything. Oh recheck the oil level again after about 24 hrs it can take a while to pass through the bearing rollers after filling to the site line, Hence why you prefill the hub before slipping on axle and before outer bearing is installed. You can do it and were here to talk you through it.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: poolenglish on July 02, 2015, 05:38:02 pm
Thanks STUMP for taking the time explaining what needs done on my replacement. This forum is great and the best I have ever been a part of!!! Chuck and Jeannie saved me on finding the replacement axle! I just got back after driving to Arkansas to buy the complete front axle. The poor U225 that was the donor was a burn out and they plan on scraping it soon it is a ONE OWNER coach form corpus christie The engine and trans works good and they wanted $6000 for the set, one owner with less than 50k miles, but I am not sure of that because it has a digital odometer in the dash (looks like a replacement). I took pics of it and it looks decent on the outside but the inside is beyond rehab. The windshields are good shape and the front side windows are good also. The rest of the glass is broken out. The baggage doors are all good and he gave me a couple prop shocks that I needed. The wheels are Alcoa 6 bolt and all good, tires are old tire code (good tread start of cracking). He wants $250 per wheel. As for the mechanical and body damage.... insurance it appears they are going to cover my coach woohoo!. If it wasn't for chuck and Jeanie finding me this parts rig the adjuster was suggesting changing to a newer axle and he could not find one that fit the bolt mounting pattern and one that had 6 bolt lugs, I steered him to the one in Arkansas and I was in business.
I had the coach towed when the accident happened and the tow truck driver said he could not get the driveshaft out and had me leave it running in neutral at idle for the 60 mile tow. He assured me that it would not hurt the trans because the pump would be working on it....I hope that is true. I just went out and started it and it still goes in gear both R and D . I guess I will not know for sure until it is driveable. Have a HAPPY independence day everyone!
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: stump on July 03, 2015, 08:46:56 am
The transmission should be fine leaving it running was the right thing to do.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: poolenglish on July 05, 2015, 05:27:05 pm
Are the lugnuts on the driver side right handed and the passenger left handed? Righty loosie in the right hand lug nuts? The top of the bolt says R and L respectively. Thanks and boy are they tight! either way!
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: stump on July 05, 2015, 05:55:32 pm
Are the lugnuts on the driver side right handed and the passenger left handed? Righty loosie in the right hand lug nuts? The top of the bolt says R and L respectively. Thanks and boy are they tight! either way!
Yes drivers side are right handed passenger side is left handed,Torque is usually about 450ftlbs
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: poolenglish on July 10, 2015, 07:55:02 am
Just an update; Well the coach is repaired, the insurance paid for it. Now it will be a long time before I have confidence in it.
The mechanic said that the bearing got water in it and that caused the failure. He said over the road trucks usually do not have the same problem because they are used all of the time and the moisture/humidity is vented thru the vent cap with the gear oil being 150 or so degrees the condensation does not have a chance to sit and drip etc...inside the bearing cap. The replacement complete axle was off a coach with 50k miles and he checked end play and he said they were good. I wonder if anyone else has had a failure like this? The mechanic said that to check if the bearing is hot you cannot touch the aluminum wheel to see; you have to reach thru the hole in the wheel and touch the brake drum. The aluminum does not hold the heat like the drum would.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: ratbug on July 10, 2015, 09:12:58 am
Glad to hear the axle is repaired/replaced.....
I have seen 3 RV blow outs on the side of road last couple of weeks, all front drivers right. Well, I assume blow outs and not more spectacular wheel/hub separations.
I purchased a laser pyrometer to "shoot"past the wheel. I hit rotor and center section of hub...My right side is usually at 112-120 degrees, left front 125-135..... I would love to hear of others temp readings, and what is normal hub temperature? I do a walk around every time we stop to check front and rear hubs/rotors, and hubs on tow dolly, and rear wheels on towed car. I'm hoping that a great many of these failures are "catchable " and will gradually increase temp as problem deteriorates into catastrophic failure.
David
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: Dave and Nancy Abel on July 10, 2015, 10:06:12 am
Howdy David, I too, "shoot" my tires and wheels temps every time I stop for a break. I always do a walk around safety check. Your temps are in-line with what I observe. Dave A
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: Kent Speers on July 10, 2015, 10:49:12 am
I three shoot the temps on my rotors and hubs with an IR thermometer every time I stop. My TPS checks the tire temps.
I use both the gun style and the pocket style for convenience. Cheap Investment and they go on sale frequently.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on July 10, 2015, 06:15:46 pm
If you shop for one of those non-contact thermometers, look for one with a narrow focus angle (distance-to-spot ratio) - makes the readings more accurate when you are not right on top of the target. Also, after you buy it, test the "laser sight" against a known small "hot spot". Sometimes the laser pointer is not correctly aligned, but once you are aware of this you can apply some Kentucky Windage.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: JohnFitz on July 10, 2015, 11:46:59 pm
The mechanic said that the bearing got water in it and that caused the failure. ...I wonder if anyone else has had a failure like this?
I got water into my hub but caught before any damage. Tell tail is the color change - see pics front wheel stemco oil reservoir (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=18468.msg126933#msg126933)
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: Caflashbob on July 11, 2015, 12:19:27 am
I got water into my hub but caught before any damage. Tell tail is the color change - see pics front wheel stemco oil reservoir (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=18468.msg126933#msg126933)
I think the posters coach has greased wheel bearings. Not oil?
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: Barry & Cindy on July 11, 2015, 02:56:18 pm
Also find IR thermo with a high temp memory. We pull the trigger and quickly run the gun laser over the tire, bearing, rotor, etc, then with trigger still held, read the highest temp. Letting go of trigger resets the memory. We periodically replaced the red rubber 'stopper' in the end of the hub. After a while the rubber gets harder and probably does not seal as well. We also have a hole cut in the end of our hub cap allowing us to see the hub oil level, which we check before starting on a trip, along with other oil levels.
Title: Re: wheel fell off
Post by: poolenglish on July 13, 2015, 07:40:35 am