this is a terrific idea, but what about the problem of getting cuttings
inside the hub? are there any special tools or proceedures to follow?

i think the original lubricant may be more like heavy gear oil. if so,
what about squirting in a tablespoon or so full of gl5 140 wt? this would
certainly seem to eliminate the problem of blowing out a seal with an
overzealous grease gun, and, perhaps more importanly, allow for a smaller
hole and eliminate the need to tap for a grease fitting. covering or
plugging such a small hole would be easy.

i did something like this on a bicycle when i was a kid, but in that case,
i had the parts disassembled, and obviously the stakes weren't as high. i
doubt i would try something like this on an airplane.

dlk

On Wed, 4 Feb 2004 06:36:25 EST, Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM> wrote:

>In a message dated 03/02/2004 10:43:23 AM Eastern Standard Time,
>LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:
>
><<<<Stub axles require two bearings that sell for about  $47.00 per side
with
>the
>seals.
>The big nut must be removed to get the  stub axle out.
>Once the nut is removed and the CV drive axle is removed you  can get into
>the bearing box and remove the old bearing.
>Truly a PITA  without actually removing the bearing box from the swing arm
>but it can be  done.
>I've done it both ways.
>As an option you can drill a hole in the  bearing box then install a
grease
>fitting and squirt some general purpose  grease in there to buy you some
time
>and use for preventive maintenance after  you've replaced the bearings.
>If you have all the tools and parts handy it's  about a two hour per  side
>job.>>>>
>
>I  highly recommend also changing the spacer between the two bearings.
If it
> has worn in length then you will not get the proper load on the outer
>bearing  when you torque the axle nut to its recommended 360 ft lbs.
>
>Cheers,
>
>Frank Condelli
>Almonte, Ontario,  Canada
>BusFusion a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, Jue 10 ~ 13,  2004
>'87 Westy & Lionel Trains
>Member: Vanagon List, LiMBO, IWCCC  & CCVWC
>Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa  Valley
>STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel Mufflers
>Frank Condelli &  Associates or http://frankcondelli.com