The squeal most likely is not from the bearings but rather the brake pads
moving in the calipers. The slight play in the bearing is just bringing on
the squeal as the rotor slightly changes in position. If the play has really
changed, not just a miss adjustment, than the bearings are failing and need
to be inspected and replaced as needed. The outer nut usually can be reused
if peened carefully. There should not be much pressure on it to rotate but
replacement is a standard procedure. There is absolutely nothing unique
about Vanagon front wheel bearings or brakes that make for any difficulty in
any mechanic to service. The inner bearing and seals may have to be ordered.
The outer is common on many vehicles.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Michael Hart
Sent: Friday, December 28, 2012 11:08 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Wheel bearing play (in Baja Sur)

We're 1000 miles down the Baja peninsula in Santa Rosalia with our '87
Westy.
The passenger side wheel bearing has developed play and is starting to
squeal on corners. Advice sought on this;
- tighten the bearing? (& can the pean nut be re-used?, contrary to the
advice in Bentley)
- any commonality in the bearing parts with otherVW's ? (not much chance of
finding a Vanagon knowledgable shop here).
Despite lots of spares in my underseat cabinet, wheel bearings did not make
it in....
Thanks for your suggestions
Michael
'87 Westfalia "T3WESTY"