dave newell
Free Member
I know several members have experienced wheel bearing failures on Ducatos (also applies to Boxers and Relays) and although I hadn't had to replace one for over a year prior to October last year it seems there is an epidemic of the buggers since then, a month or so ago we did seven in two days (all four on one vehicle and three on another). I'd just like to make an observation on the replacement of them.
If you hear a rumbling/droning noise that gets louder when turning one way and quieter on the other direction it is almost certainly a wheel bearing failing. If you hear something then get it checked as soon as possible!
The reason I say this is that it has become apparent to me that if not replaced soon enough the bearing will run hot and the drive flange will become very tight in the bearing. This not only increases the chance of total failure but it also makes replacement more troublesome.
I used to have a ten Tonne press in the workshop for wheel bearings but this year it has been of rapidly diminishing use. The last six front wheel bearings have needed massive force to remove the flange, ranging from 12 to near on 40 Tonnes! I kid you not folks, here's a photo of my new (four weeks old) 30 ton press in action, as you will see from the photo it is sitting at close to 30 tons pressure and the flange is being defiant. The flange finally gave in at 32.5 Tonnes and a few big hits with a large hammer.
Conversely if dealt with early enough it can take as little as six Tonnes to shift them.
D.
If you hear a rumbling/droning noise that gets louder when turning one way and quieter on the other direction it is almost certainly a wheel bearing failing. If you hear something then get it checked as soon as possible!
The reason I say this is that it has become apparent to me that if not replaced soon enough the bearing will run hot and the drive flange will become very tight in the bearing. This not only increases the chance of total failure but it also makes replacement more troublesome.
I used to have a ten Tonne press in the workshop for wheel bearings but this year it has been of rapidly diminishing use. The last six front wheel bearings have needed massive force to remove the flange, ranging from 12 to near on 40 Tonnes! I kid you not folks, here's a photo of my new (four weeks old) 30 ton press in action, as you will see from the photo it is sitting at close to 30 tons pressure and the flange is being defiant. The flange finally gave in at 32.5 Tonnes and a few big hits with a large hammer.
Conversely if dealt with early enough it can take as little as six Tonnes to shift them.
D.