There has been much discussion about front wheel bearings. I would like
to pass along some hints given to me years ago when I first started
working on my coach.
After removing the three bolts that hold the bearing retainer in place,
cut a slot in the threaded end of each bolt. This will enable you to
unscrew the bolt (once you have loosened it with a wrench) by placing a
flat blade screwdriver through the hole in the knuckle from the inside.
I find a short screwdriver works best for the bolts located at 3 & 9
o'clock, and a long screwdriver for the bolt at 12 o'clock. The
screwdrivers can also be used to help guide the bolts back into place
and then to screw them in to the point where a wrench is required.
When reassembling, to hold each bolt in its respective hole in the
bearing retainer, tie a piece of string approx. 8 inches long to a
horseshoe type cotter pin which is snapped onto each bolt on the inner
side of the bearing retainer. It should be spread to hold the bolt
loosely so that it can be started into the knuckle with the small
screwdrivers. Once one or two threads are engaged, pull the cotter pins
off and finish tightening with the screwdrivers & wrench.
These "tricks" have saved many a French "lesson".
J.C. Whitney sells a slide hammer that can be modified to pull the hub
assy. Simply open the three holes in the hammer so they become slots.
The hammer then will fit over three of the wheel studs.
to pass along some hints given to me years ago when I first started
working on my coach.
After removing the three bolts that hold the bearing retainer in place,
cut a slot in the threaded end of each bolt. This will enable you to
unscrew the bolt (once you have loosened it with a wrench) by placing a
flat blade screwdriver through the hole in the knuckle from the inside.
I find a short screwdriver works best for the bolts located at 3 & 9
o'clock, and a long screwdriver for the bolt at 12 o'clock. The
screwdrivers can also be used to help guide the bolts back into place
and then to screw them in to the point where a wrench is required.
When reassembling, to hold each bolt in its respective hole in the
bearing retainer, tie a piece of string approx. 8 inches long to a
horseshoe type cotter pin which is snapped onto each bolt on the inner
side of the bearing retainer. It should be spread to hold the bolt
loosely so that it can be started into the knuckle with the small
screwdrivers. Once one or two threads are engaged, pull the cotter pins
off and finish tightening with the screwdrivers & wrench.
These "tricks" have saved many a French "lesson".
J.C. Whitney sells a slide hammer that can be modified to pull the hub
assy. Simply open the three holes in the hammer so they become slots.
The hammer then will fit over three of the wheel studs.
