I've noticed the handling of my coach has deteriorated on the last long trip. Front end components look OK, so thought I'd check the wheel bearings. I put a piece of aluminum 2" pipe through the Alcoa wheel vents and gave a couple heaves up and down. I'd guess I've got at least .025 bearing play, maybe more, enough movement to hear and see. Time to adjust those bearings.
No seal leaks so I'm thinking I can do this by pulling the Stemco reservoir intact from the hub. Rotating wheel bearing seems smooth. I'd rather not pull the hubs...or wheels unless necessary.
Does anyone know the socket size for front bearing hub nuts?
I'm guessing the stemco reservoir uses an O ring seal where it bolts to the hub. Anyone know the size or part number?
I've read over the various online adjustment procedures, seems straight forward enough. Thanks, Chuck
I have Stemco covers on my crane they use a gasket just like a rear axle. You really don't need a socket to tighten the nut as it would be too tight. a big pair of Channel Locks will snug it up. I am sure there is probably a technical way by torqueing to a certain torque then backing off so many degrees, but all I do is snug the nut until there is no play in the bearing.
Here is the procedure.
Be sure to rotate the wheel while tightening the wheel bearing. I'd also use an IR thermometer at every rest stop for the next 100 miles to be sure it's not too tight.
see ya
ken
Thanks, got the procedure just hoping someone knows what size the locknuts are. I'd like to have everything on hand before breaking it open in this sandbox.
If you ever find out the socket size, please post it as I need to do the same thing. Thanks.
Stemco actually makes the sockets to adjust the wheel bearings. I have 2 that fit trucks I previously owned. The sockets are made of malleable steel and not tool steel so you will damage the socket and not the lock nuts if too much torque is applied. the side walls are also thinner to fit in the hub. I know this doesn't help with size but it will help with your pocket book once you know what you need.
TOM
You can roll one of your steer tires up on a leveling block or a 4x4 or jack it up, whatever. Let the coach sit for awhile, This will let the hub oil run into the hub, Put a drip pan or some rags under the hubcap area and take off one of your hubcaps and measure your nut, and the gasket. Put the hubcap back on and go get your socket you need, along 2 new gaskets and some hub oil.