Last week i got my right rear wheel stuck in about a foot and a half
of water in a river... gravel and round river rock. I won't go into
why I got into that position :), but take it as read that I made a
bonehead move.

My syncro's viscous coupling is kaput so I didn't have front wheel
assist. The diff lock was not much help, both rear wheels just dug
deeper. But... I did have my home made bridging track and a high lift
jack. I was able to stand in the river and jack one side of van up in
the air and put the track under rear wheel, then dig a trench for the
other side wheels and slowly drive out of the river.

The moral of the story, apart from not getting into that situation in
the first place, is that the high lift jack paid for itself again.

I wasn't worried about water getting into the bearings or the brake
drum, as it was pretty well clear water. But if it was mud I might
take the time to remove drum and flush out any debris that might have
got in.

I would say that the bearings would be fine. Maybe regrease once home
if you like.

alistair

On 6-Sep-10, at 7:20 PM, Scott Chapman wrote:

I went adventuring in my 85 Westy today.

Lesson learned:  NEVER try to cross a sizable puddle without
inspecting it
first!  We managed to get the right rear in muddy water over half way
up the
tire and it took over an hour to get it out again.

I am wondering if I need to do anything with the brakes or wheel
bearings,
or anything else, as a result of this "abuse" :).

I went to a self-serve car wash and washed wheels out thoroughly on both
sides but haven't gone further yet.

I'm in Cheyenne, Wyoming and leaving from here to LA on Thursday AM.
The
last thing I need is trouble on the trip.

All advice and wisdom greatly appreciated!

Scott