Ron Lee
Well Known Member
Yesterday, as part of my condition inspection, I repacked the main wheel bearings. Then last night I wondered if all the parts associated with this were installed and in place when I put the wheels back on. I was concerned about the aluminum spacer that is as thick as the two thin metal rings and fiber seal that are just outside the bearing.
This morning I verified that the outer one was in place but to verify the inner one I had to remove the wheel again. So I did. It took thirty minutes to inspect both whereas a final check before installing them yesterday would have taken ten seconds.
I probably would have noticed the inner spacer being absent when I mounted the wheel on the axle but the potential for wheel failure if I was wrong made the decision to check them an easy one.
Moral: Make double sure that all parts are in place before mounting the wheels.
This morning I verified that the outer one was in place but to verify the inner one I had to remove the wheel again. So I did. It took thirty minutes to inspect both whereas a final check before installing them yesterday would have taken ten seconds.
I probably would have noticed the inner spacer being absent when I mounted the wheel on the axle but the potential for wheel failure if I was wrong made the decision to check them an easy one.
Moral: Make double sure that all parts are in place before mounting the wheels.