While under the Barth, I notice that the left side rear wheel had a lot of oil around the rim and down the tire, Oh Darn, wheeel bearing sealing was failing. Sure enough, pulled the wheels and oil was everywhere. The brake pads were saturated as was everything else in the area. When I pulled the hub off, the first thing I noticed was that someone had put the seall in wrong and beat it up badly during the process, these are special seals and do not like being installed poorly! OK new bearings, seal and brake parts later it was back together, around to the other side (right side)to replace the brake pads there, to my shock and horror, one wheel nut was loose, so loose in fact it would turn by hand! Two other wheel nuts were loose as well. Removing the wheels, I found that one stud bolt was completely stripped by the inner nut and 3 others were compromised.

Back to the truck parts place to get new wheels studs, I got 12 because I didn't like the fact that the inner nut only engaged about 3/4 inch of the studs threads, I got 1/2 inch longer studs. While I was at it I got new inner wheel nuts as well.

The air bag lower perch had a big crack in it so I took it off and welded it and also relocated it as it had moved to the rear and the air bag was contacting the rubber brake line.

Then it was back to the left side to replace the studs there. Looking at the brake caliper, I then noticed that the supply line went into the top of the caliper and the bleeder screw was at the bottom. Sure can't bleed brakes that way!! Probably done by the same mechanic that messed up the oil seal!

Checked everything, tied up some loose wires and hoses, lubed the driveline, flushed the brake system, and changed the diff oil. Back together and now moving on to the steering box replacement. Have the steering box out now and will be getting it either replaced or re-built today. $$$


------------------
Ed
94 30' Breakaway side entry
230 Cummins, Alison 6 speed
Sparton chassis

quote:

Originally posted by MWrench:
$$$

You saved way more then you spent! Good for you.

------------------


1991 Barth Regal
460 EFI C6 Transmission
33' Oshkosh/John Deere Chassis

http://www.TruckRoadService.com/

"Without Trucks,

America Stops"

Ditto - Bill's comment. And you have the added satisfaction that you didn't pay 60 bucks an hour or more to have someone else screw it up.

If only there was a good shop in Charlotte that did charge $60/hour! Goin' rate is $85/$100

Hey Ed, isn't it great to at least make these findings in your driveway?

I occasionally crawl under the Barth,lay on my back and carefully examine every aspect of the underside. I once noticed the pin that holds the emergency brake mechanism was about to fall out! I wear safety glasses to keep rust or dirt from falling in my eyes.

------------------
Larry and Heidi from CA

The bad news: It probably was one of those "Auto Repair Shops" -who charge $80-$100 per hr- who did this stuff, instead of the owner. Owners usually will back off if they realize they are in over their heads. I do everything I possibly can myself; not because of the money (honest) but because I am leery of mechanics. (I know, NY Bill, there are many competent ones but I have missed them in my dealings.)

------------------
"You are what you drive" - Clint Eastwood