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Removed my first wheel! [message #123199]

Mon, 25 April 2011 22:21

thorndike

Messages: 406
Registered: January 2011
Location: Conifer, Colorado

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Well, I got over my anxiety and removed my first wheel tonight.

I had to start taking a look at the back brakes before I head down to Bean Station. I have to say, I have jacked up 'regular' cars before, pulled wheels and changed brakes, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't a bit daunted by the GMC.

Since I am leaving on Wed. afternoon for Bean Station, my plan was to check the front rear brake on each side to make sure I had enough braking power to get to BS. So, with the coach about 14 inches from the curb, I slid two 3/16ths inch flat bars under the bogies to keep them from hanging too low. I was able to use my hook and lift the right side. Once that was done I slid two jack stands underneath.

With my long 1/2" socket bar, I was able to break the lug nuts free. Once that was done, the wheel came right off. Just like a regular car! I pulled the dust caps and removed the castellated nut. It was at this point I realized that I had to remove the bearings to remove the drum! YIKES. I guess I should have read the manual a bit closer. So, off the the store to buy wheel bearing grease.

Once back, I pulled the drum and was quite surprised at the condition of the shoes. they were nearly as thick as the new pads. There was a hairline crack across one, but there was no chipping around that crack (no evidence of it getting bigger or coming apart) so I decided to leave it as it is for now as I am planning on upgrading to discs before this summer. I blew off the brake dust and began to put everything back together.

I cleaned off the bearing, it seemed very smooth with no visible damage (AND I didn't have a replacement) so back on it goes and prepared to start packing them with grease. I grabbed the grease gun and noticed the zerk fittings for the bogies. Honestly, I had never seen those before. So, I pop on the grease gun give it a LOT of grease (I am worried about how long it has been since they had seen any new grease) and proceed to pull the grease gun nozzle apart. So, back to the store I go...On the way, I realized that my torque wrench didn't go high enough to tighten things back up, so along with a new grease hose, I had to buy a new torque wrench!

Got back, repacked the bearings (by hand), and began to put everything back together. Tighten up the adjuster a bit, put the drum on, put in the bearings, put the dust caps back, and put the wheel on. I broke out the new torque wrench and tightened everything to the 250 ft-lbs required by the manual. Everything is looking good! Feeling proud of myself I reached over to put the ALCOA hub cover on. Uh-oh. That cap is held on by the lug nuts. I did everything I could think of to try and pop the lip of the cap under the edge of the lug nuts but to no avail. That cap may stay off until I upgrade the braking system.

Well it was getting dark, so I packed everything up so I could get started quickly tomorrow afternoon on the left side. I went inside to grab a late dinner...When I realized that I forgot something. I left the two steel bars under the bogies when I lowered the coach. I am quite sure that my flat bars are now U-shaped and won't be much worth to me tomorrow. Looks like I am not quite finished with the right side....

Bob

Robert Peesel 1976 Royale 26' Side Dry Bath Conifer, Colorado