I think there is a bearing greasing schedule in the Bentley for the
front wheel bearings. Inspect your bearings NOW, do whatever maintenance
is required - then keep that service schedule.

If you do the job yourself - which is easy enough if you have a tool
box, reasonable mechanical skills, and time - clean the bearings and the
races, then inspect them by feel, and by use of a magnifying glass. Any
pits, roughness, bearings falling from the cage  - all are a call for
replacements. Examine the races the same way. Races can be removed and
new ones installed easily with a socket, a block of hardwood, and a
heavy hammer.

Good luck,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

Ron Komoroski wrote:
> Vanagon listers,
> I need the wisdom of the list. In general, how many miles should I expect
> from wheel bearings on my '87 2wd Westy? I'm running BFG All Terrain T/A
> tires on all 4 wheels (way to good a deal to pass up), & they make so
> much
> road noise I'd never hear a wheel bearing starting to go. The vehicle
> just
> turned over 78K miles, should I be giving the wheels the "spin &
> listen" at
> every tire rotation, or not-to-worry for a while yet.
> TIA
> Ron Komoroski
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "John Lauterbach" <lauterba@BELLSOUTH.NET>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Thursday, November 30, 2006 9:32 AM
> Subject: Re: wheel bearings
>
>
>> Mark, I waited almost too long to have the bearings done on my '84.
>> I had
>> my local Tires Plus store do the work and bought all the parts from list
>> vendors.  Did shocks and brakes at same time.  Somewhat pricey, but it
>> took
>> care of a number of problems including the rumble.
>>
>> John
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Mark Brush" <mbrush@GMAIL.COM>
>> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>> Sent: Thursday, November 30, 2006 9:03 AM
>> Subject: wheel bearings
>>
>>
>>> Hi - Does anyone know of a good test to determine if a wheel bearing
>>> needs
>>> replacement?  I hear the rumbling when I drive, but I'm not sure if
>>> it's
>>> tranny noise, or wheel bearings.  Also, what tool(s) do I need to do
>>> the
>>> replacement myself?
>>>
>>> Thanks for you help as always!
>>>
>>> Mark B.
>>> 1990 2.1 Westy
>>>
>