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Re: [GMCnet] Wheel Bearing Temp Sensors [message #66898] Mon, 07 December 2009 17:46 Go to next message
Jim White[1] is currently offline  Jim White[1]   United States
Messages: 144
Registered: September 2008
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Dudes-
This is the first issue I've seen on GMCnet that did not warrant
generous and creative response.
Is it just too far out or too great of a challenge?
Jim "Doc" White
*************************

Jim White wrote:
> Neil-
> When you bought the Smart Tire System several years ago, did you shop around for alternatives?
> I have to question why these systems are so expensive. A question for all readers is....Since we can purchase a infra-red thermometer for a few bucks, so why can't KenH, KenB, SFerguson, LHarrison or PowerJohn just rig up six with some low voltage wire, six lights and a buzzer and for about $ 100?
> Why are they so expensive?
> Jim "Doc" White
> Wintergreen, VA
> 75 GMC Stretch (with cool bearings for now)
>
> ***************
> Niel Martin wrote-
> They worked great for about two years. I understand that they I need to go to Camping World and have several of the sensors reset. I have yet to do that.
>
> The temp sensor was a lifesaver. 10 miles from home at the end of a trip cross-country and back, the high temp alert went off for the right rear forward tire. I was tring to avoid a rest stop so close to home, but pulled over with the alert and went to the head, telling my wife to check out the tire outside. Midway through my business she came screaming back that it was on fire. A quick shot of the fire extinguisher put it out, and later diagnosis was a bad bearing that was just about to traumaticly let go.
>
> So I like the device and would recommed it.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
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>
>
>
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Re: [GMCnet] Wheel Bearing Temp Sensors [message #66899 is a reply to message #66898] Mon, 07 December 2009 18:40 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Gary Casey is currently offline  Gary Casey   United States
Messages: 448
Registered: September 2009
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Senior Member
Being in the sensor business, I proposed such a thing several years ago. The idea is that it is really temperature that kills the tire - low pressure just happens to be the cause of the high temperature. Those in the "biz" just weren't interested. One thing they were after is a measurement that would warn of a problem before you took to the road. Temperature would be a very nice thing to have BESIDES pressure, though. I wonder....
Gary



________________________________
From: Jim White <jameswwhite@cyberwind.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Mon, December 7, 2009 4:46:50 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Wheel Bearing Temp Sensors

Dudes-
This is the first issue I've seen on GMCnet that did not warrant
generous and creative response.
Is it just too far out or too great of a challenge?
Jim "Doc" White
*************************

Jim White wrote:
> Neil-
> When you bought the Smart Tire System several years ago, did you shop around for alternatives?
> I have to question why these systems are so expensive. A question for all readers is....Since we can purchase a infra-red thermometer for a few bucks, so why can't KenH, KenB, SFerguson, LHarrison or PowerJohn just rig up six with some low voltage wire, six lights and a buzzer and for about $ 100?
> Why are they so expensive?
> Jim "Doc" White
> Wintergreen, VA
> 75 GMC Stretch (with cool bearings for now)
>
> ***************
> Niel Martin wrote-
> They worked great for about two years. I understand that they I need to go to Camping World and have several of the sensors reset. I have yet to do that.
>
> The temp sensor was a lifesaver. 10 miles from home at the end of a trip cross-country and back, the high temp alert went off for the right rear forward tire. I was tring to avoid a rest stop so close to home, but pulled over with the alert and went to the head, telling my wife to check out the tire outside. Midway through my business she came screaming back that it was on fire. A quick shot of the fire extinguisher put it out, and later diagnosis was a bad bearing that was just about to traumaticly let go.
>
> So I like the device and would recommed it.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
>
>
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Re: [GMCnet] Wheel Bearing Temp Sensors [message #66900 is a reply to message #66898] Mon, 07 December 2009 19:04 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
Senior Member
Here are some wheel bearing sensors
http://gmcmotorhome.info/horst.html

gene


On Mon, Dec 7, 2009 at 3:46 PM, Jim White <jameswwhite@cyberwind.net> wrote:

> Dudes-
> This is the first issue I've seen on GMCnet that did not warrant
> generous and creative response.
> Is it just too far out or too great of a challenge?
> Jim "Doc" White
> *************************
>
> Jim White wrote:
> > Neil-
> > When you bought the Smart Tire System several years ago, did you shop
> around for alternatives?
> > I have to question why these systems are so expensive. A question for
> all readers is....Since we can purchase a infra-red thermometer for a few
> bucks, so why can't KenH, KenB, SFerguson, LHarrison or PowerJohn just rig
> up six with some low voltage wire, six lights and a buzzer and for about $
> 100?
> > Why are they so expensive?
> > Jim "Doc" White
> > Wintergreen, VA
> > 75 GMC Stretch (with cool bearings for now)
> >
> > ***************
> > Niel Martin wrote-
> > They worked great for about two years. I understand that they I need to
> go to Camping World and have several of the sensors reset. I have yet to do
> that.
> >
> > The temp sensor was a lifesaver. 10 miles from home at the end of a trip
> cross-country and back, the high temp alert went off for the right rear
> forward tire. I was tring to avoid a rest stop so close to home, but pulled
> over with the alert and went to the head, telling my wife to check out the
> tire outside. Midway through my business she came screaming back that it
> was on fire. A quick shot of the fire extinguisher put it out, and later
> diagnosis was a bad bearing that was just about to traumaticly let go.
> >
> > So I like the device and would recommed it.
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > List Information and Subscription Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> >
> >
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
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Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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Re: [GMCnet] Wheel Bearing Temp Sensors [message #66912 is a reply to message #66898] Mon, 07 December 2009 23:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Neil is currently offline  Neil   United States
Messages: 271
Registered: July 2007
Location: Los Angeles and Magalia, ...
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Doc -

I didn't see your post till now.

I got the Smart Tire system at the time because I wanted something that I could use with more than one trailer. It did everything I wanted, and the other systems did not. I wasn't really price shopping. Plus, we had recently had a flat on a trailer and were motivated...

That temp sensor feature was really good. I might have lost a wheel on the freeway or had a real fire without it.

I should write some trip reports as we have had some interesting adventures.


Neil
76 Eleganza now sold
Los Angeles
Re: [GMCnet] Wheel Bearing Temp Sensors [message #66916 is a reply to message #66898] Tue, 08 December 2009 05:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rusty is currently offline  Rusty   United States
Messages: 197
Registered: October 2005
Location: Philadelphia Pa
Karma: 0
Senior Member
I would think that there is some type of temp sensitive sticky film available that you can apply to some judicious place on the hub, then monitor it peridocially for a max high temp. Not a real time solution but inexpensive without another gauge to be concerned about. I think I got some of this film with a halon fire ex purchased thru the Coop last year, I'll have to dig out the docs.

http://www.coleparmer.com/Catalog/product_view.asp?sku=9030865


Rusty
75 Glenbrook
Philadelphia Pa

[Updated on: Tue, 08 December 2009 05:35]

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Re: [GMCnet] Wheel Bearing Temp Sensors [message #66925 is a reply to message #66898] Tue, 08 December 2009 07:13 Go to previous messageGo to next message
RF_Burns is currently offline  RF_Burns   Canada
Messages: 2277
Registered: June 2008
Location: S. Ontario, Canada
Karma: 3
Senior Member
Here is the site you are looking for:
http://www.mikamar.com/gmc1-prod4.htm

I wonder how long the sensor will last before the leads break from turning and vibration. Some type of infrared sensor pointing at the bearings/tire would be better, but then it would get covered with dirt at the worst time.


Bruce Hislop
ON Canada
77PB, 455 Dick P. rebuilt, DynamicEFI EBL EFI & ESC.
1 ton front end
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=29001
My Staff says I never listen to them, or something like that
Re: [GMCnet] Wheel Bearing Temp Sensors [message #66927 is a reply to message #66925] Tue, 08 December 2009 07:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
G'day,

Just wondering if it's really worth monitoring wheel bearing temperatures if
grease your wheel bearing regularly and make sure your brakes (pads and/or
shoes) don't drag?

Do any vehicles come from OEM's with systems like this installed?

Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426

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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Wheel Bearing Temp Sensors [message #66929 is a reply to message #66927] Tue, 08 December 2009 07:36 Go to previous messageGo to next message
comcast is currently offline  comcast   United States
Messages: 604
Registered: August 2009
Karma: 0
Senior Member
I tested a homemade bearing temp gauge several years ago. Used a dual
temp digital indoor/outdoor thermometer and extended the indoor
thermister to wire and used JBWeld to attach to the back of the
bearing housing. Watching the temps will drive you nuts in city
driving with brake temps going up and down. On the S-10, the temps
ran close to ambient temps on the road but had spikes when braking,
naturally. I think, if my memory is still working, that the highest
temps I recorded were in the 150 range when braking from highway
speeds to zero. The temps started to recede immediately after letting
off the brakes.

My conclusion was that you will have to decide on the "normal" running
temp of your vehicle and go from there. If the temp goes up and up
and stays there, then it would be a sign of trouble to come and needs
to be attended to immediately. Deciding on what the temps are that
are a trouble sign is entirely up to you. You can find the temp at
which your grease is going to go bad.

HtH

Roger Black
Burns, TN
77 Birchaven SB



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Re: [GMCnet] Wheel Bearing Temp Sensors [message #66931 is a reply to message #66898] Tue, 08 December 2009 08:19 Go to previous message
Ray Erspamer is currently offline  Ray Erspamer   United States
Messages: 1707
Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Karma: -3
Senior Member
Hi Doc

I made a similar post some time ago and also go little response which surprised me.

I've done some investigation on infrared, seems like it would be affected by dirt and it can get very pricey.

What I've been working on and intend to install are thermistor sensors with small read out gauges on the dash. They make thermistors with ring/tongue sensor ends, I've got the zerk grease fittings on my hubs, so I intend to remove the zerks and install the ring/tongue connector between the hub and the zerk. This will read hub temperature and via small wires go up to the dash gauges. Very easy to do and very inexpensive, probably in the $50 range for the two front hubs. I just need the time to work on it and get all of the details ironed out.

Here are some examples of what I intend to use:

Sample Thermistor http://tinyurl.com/yz775hb

Sample Gauge http://www.martelmeters.com/

In my opinion, this would be nice, but I think it more of a "frills" project. If you keep your front bearings well serviced and greased, you should be able to have enough confidence to use the coach and not worry about them. I grease my front bearings via the zerks every spring and we've put on about 7,000 miles per year. Every time we stop for gas the first thing I do is touch the front wheels....always cool as can be.

Ray

Ray & Lisa Erspamer
78 Royale Center Kitchen
The Malosco Cruiser (TZE368V101144)
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/




________________________________
From: Jim White <jameswwhite@cyberwind.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Mon, December 7, 2009 5:46:50 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Wheel Bearing Temp Sensors

Dudes-
This is the first issue I've seen on GMCnet that did not warrant
generous and creative response.
Is it just too far out or too great of a challenge?
Jim "Doc" White
*************************

Jim White wrote:
> Neil-
> When you bought the Smart Tire System several years ago, did you shop around for alternatives?
> I have to question why these systems are so expensive. A question for all readers is....Since we can purchase a infra-red thermometer for a few bucks, so why can't KenH, KenB, SFerguson, LHarrison or PowerJohn just rig up six with some low voltage wire, six lights and a buzzer and for about $ 100?
> Why are they so expensive?
> Jim "Doc" White
> Wintergreen, VA
> 75 GMC Stretch (with cool bearings for now)
>
> ***************
> Niel Martin wrote-
> They worked great for about two years. I understand that they I need to go to Camping World and have several of the sensors reset. I have yet to do that.
>
> The temp sensor was a lifesaver. 10 miles from home at the end of a trip cross-country and back, the high temp alert went off for the right rear forward tire. I was tring to avoid a rest stop so close to home, but pulled over with the alert and went to the head, telling my wife to check out the tire outside. Midway through my business she came screaming back that it was on fire. A quick shot of the fire extinguisher put it out, and later diagnosis was a bad bearing that was just about to traumaticly let go.
>
> So I like the device and would recommed it.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
>
>
_______________________________________________
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Ray Erspamer 78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen 403, 3.70 Final Drive Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System, Holley Hyperspark Ignition System 414-484-9431
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