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Topic: Bearing adjustment front hubs-couple questions (Read 657 times) previous topic - next topic

Bearing adjustment front hubs-couple questions

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
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Bearing adjustment front hubs-couple questions

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Chuck Pearson –
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

1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Bearing adjustment front hubs-couple questions

Reply #2 –
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.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Bearing adjustment front hubs-couple questions

Reply #3 –
Here is the procedure.
Rick

Re: Bearing adjustment front hubs-couple questions

Reply #4 –
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 
The selected media item is not currently available.ken & dori hathaway & Big Agnes
🍺1992 U300 GrandVilla WTBI #4150 FOT FBP 2011
✨6V-92TA DDEC Parlor Coach 350HP Series 92
🏁2011 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X

Re: Bearing adjustment front hubs-couple questions

Reply #5 –
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. 
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Bearing adjustment front hubs-couple questions

Reply #6 –
If you ever find out the socket size, please post it as I need to do the same thing.  Thanks.
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Bearing adjustment front hubs-couple questions

Reply #7 –
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
SOB (Some Other Brand) division
1995 Wanderlodge WB40
8V92 :D
 

Re: Bearing adjustment front hubs-couple questions

Reply #8 –
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.
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit