They should be checked/ re-packed every brake job.  This is about very 40K
miles on average.  I haven't read the recommendation in the manual, just
stating my own personal experience/ training as a mechanic.

Mike B.

----- Original Message -----
From: "RICHARD KOERNER" <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, November 14, 2008 10:55 PM
Subject: Grease your front wheel bearings!!

Seeing the pictures that Neil included
http://californiavan.com/frontend/80-84lowerballjoints/
reminded me to REMIND YOU ALL to grease your front wheel bearings. I was on
a recent cross-country road trip (2 months, 11K miles) and got from San
Diego to Portland, OR when started hearing some "squealing" sounds; couldn't
tell if it was me or the traffic alongside (was at a section of road with a
high concrete embankment). It was me! Right Front Bearing failure...had to
tow it on a flatbead the last 6 miles (stayed in a motel that night, extra
$$$).

But, the big part of this story is that the demolished wheel bearing ate up
the Spindle; I could see the dollar signs quickly flashing before my eyes.
Luckily, the shop was able to get a good used one ($100), not sure if they
are available anymore (mine is an '85 GL, with 155,000 miles on it). Some
guy said that spindles were mucho bucks ($300-400??) when it happened to
him. Also, the front disc was damaged, so they replaced bearing, spindle,
pads, and disc; then they mentioned not a good idea to have unmatched-wear
front brakes, so went ahead and did the left side bearing, disc, and pad.
All told....$680, plus the night in the motel in a crummy part of town where
I broke down.

Moral of the story...an easy lube job would have prevented a roadside
breakdown (and tow charge, insurance covered) and big bucks and associated
hassle. Question to List: at what interval should bearings be serviced?

Rich
85 GL Vanagon
San Diego

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