<VV> Rear Wheel Grease

[James Davis]

Oh please not that.  Back in the 1980's this seemed like a good idea for 
road side repairs but time proved GM was right in making a press in fit for 
the bearings.  For more info why, Bob Ballew has a detailed explanation in 
the letter "Preloading Differential Bearings ... Why?" (Available from 
Corvanatics).  The tech tip on sanding down the shafts is still listed in 
the Ultra Van tech tips (available online and searchable at 
www.corvair.org/chapters/ultravan/ ) but it is definitely NOT recommended 
by anyone who has tried it.  All serious Ultra Vanners either carry a spare 
hub built for either side, carry spare bearings and tools to do a repair, 
or keep the number for Steve Goodman (Rear Engine Specialists) on speed 
dial on their cell phone.  If you are really interest in rebuilding rear 
hubs, Norm Helmkay has written a great tech tip, which is what I use 
(available only in printed form from the east or west Ultra Van merchandise 
person).
Jim Davis

At 06:20 PM 1/5/2005, Ewell Mills wrote:
>   CorsaBill also made mention that some of the guys and gals with
>Ultra Vans have the axles (spindle's ?) turned down slightly so that the
>bearings can be removed without special tools on the side of the road.  This
>is possibly a great idea if one plans on keeping the vehicle and possibly
>putting high mileage on it such as the Ultra Van people do.  Don't know if GM
>had a good reason for having them so tight and difficult to remove and
>replace. Works fine on the front, why not in the back?  (Don't mean to start a
>flame war on this).
>Again....thanks for the help.
>
>Cecil Mills