| Author | Message | ||
| Scott Crosby (Scott_crosby)
Registered Member Username: Scott_crosby Post Number: 41 Registered: 12-2011 Posted From: 99.100.88.196  Rating: N/A |
Aparently grease is a norm on buses and something that I am not used to. Is it bad to change them to oil? I always assumed that grease was only used for lazy people and people that didn't want to do proper maintaining of their vehicles hubs. Is there really a reason to not go to oil? Bus won't sit for months or years without moving, pre trip inspections will be done. I'm all for better lubrication, cooling, and monitoring of levels. Since buses seem to have many characteristics that I am not familiar with I'm just asking before I make a mistake. | ||
| Bill Gerrie (Bill_gerrie)
Registered Member Username: Bill_gerrie Post Number: 611 Registered: 3-2006 Posted From: 216.198.139.38  Rating: N/A |
Scott I changed them to oil 20 years ago and never had any issues since. Easy to see if lubrication is okay with the clear plastic window in the centre of the hub. I would change the wheel seal at the same time to a one that has a double seal so if there is any movement it won't leak as easy. Truck places have all you need to do it. Just go and talk to the parts guy. Bill | ||
| Brian Evans (Bevans6)
Registered Member Username: Bevans6 Post Number: 122 Registered: 5-2009 Posted From: 65.92.51.73 Rating: N/A |
I always thought oil hubs were the norm on buses, certainly my bus came with oil hubs (MCI). I personally feel that oil hubs are the better choice for the bearings, and easy to maintain. You do run the risk of losing fluid to a seal leak, I suppose. Brian | ||
| Scott Crosby (Scott_crosby)
Registered Member Username: Scott_crosby Post Number: 42 Registered: 12-2011 Posted From: 99.100.88.196 Rating: N/A |
I have to pull the hubs anyway to swap them because someone put lefts on right and vice versa. I'll be inspecting and getting a good look inside anyway just as a safety check. I'd rather find small problems now than have big problems later plus knowing what things look like takes away worries while driving. I'm a big what if... I found several problems on the rear hubs last week like broken bolts and missing bolts on the inner hub seal on both sides. The broken bolt had a drill bit broke off inside of it, and they just put it back together like that. It only took 45 min to fix it right and get the bolt out but it let's me know how maintainence was done on this bus. | ||
| Jim Wilke (Jim Bob) (Pd41044039)
Registered Member Username: Pd41044039 Post Number: 749 Registered: 2-2001 Posted From: 184.0.13.120  Rating: N/A |
If the vehicle will roll very often like a bus in revenue swervice, then oil is good. If the bus sits for long periods it is said that the upper, dry part can rust and the spots where the bearing rollers sit can gall due to squeezing out the oil. My 4104 was grease fronts & oil rears when I got it. I changed to all grease bearings when I replaced all seals and 7 of the 8 bearings. No trouble in the 13 years & 40K miles since. I agree with terrible maintenance. I had shift linkage welded to the shaft 'cause somebody didn't take the time to go get a bolt! (when I ground off the weld & put a bolt in it's been fine all this time.) Bus was full of half fast repairs. Took a while to straighten out. | ||
| Ed Hackenbruch (Ed_hackenbruch)
Registered Member Username: Ed_hackenbruch Post Number: 31 Registered: 12-2006 Posted From: 166.250.80.47 Rating: N/A |
If you use Lucas hub oil they will not dry out as fast, and may not dry out at all. | ||
| Jim Sanders (Sandy)
Registered Member Username: Sandy Post Number: 131 Registered: 1-2011 Posted From: 69.199.96.250  Rating: N/A |
hey guys this is what i call used and abused!!! When idrove from NJ to Houston If you turned a corner in driving would not return to straight... Thought it eas the power stearing All that was wroung was the tye rod ends was rusted up solid never been greased ??????? Jim | ||
| Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member Username: Gusc Post Number: 1439 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 173.202.21.27  Rating: N/A |
My 4104 front hubs were reversed when I got it. Drove it for 5 years with no problems, still that way! | ||
| Scott Crosby (Scott_crosby)
Registered Member Username: Scott_crosby Post Number: 43 Registered: 12-2011 Posted From: 99.100.88.196 Rating: N/A |
I'm sure it's fine to drive it reversed, but DOT would have a big issue with it. The big L and R on the studs is kind of obvious, and I don't need to give them any free ammunition to shoot me in the foot with. Thanks for all the input on the hubs everyone. It will be oil then. I'm hoping it all goes well and that there are no surprises. Nine days away from the start of a 2000 + mile trip . | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 1655 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 67.238.59.158  Rating: N/A |
The chance of old oil seals leaking from age or lack of use is why most folks are willing to stick with grease , but will pay the extra for synthetic. FF | ||
| Scott Crosby (Scott_crosby)
Registered Member Username: Scott_crosby Post Number: 44 Registered: 12-2011 Posted From: 99.100.88.196 Rating: N/A |
I would like a wild cherry scented synthetic gear lube please. 80 90 is one smell I wish was not in my mental library of identifiable smells. | ||
| john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member Username: Chessie4905 Post Number: 2226 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 71.58.71.157  Rating: N/A |
The first time you have an oil seal leak and soak the brake lining and drum, you may have second thoughts. I switched back to grease with Mobil synthetic semi fluid grease. I've had to clean up the mess of soaked components too many times over the years. (not just mine)Some swear by them though.Major DOT inspection rejection. Also a loss of 25% or more of braking ability. | ||
| Bill Holstein (Billmoocow)
Registered Member Username: Billmoocow Post Number: 170 Registered: 5-2009 Posted From: 24.21.114.17  Rating: N/A |
This is what i have got to say for Scott: Anything and everything about his bus, he asks a question! We need more members like this! And we need less hard asses! | ||
| Bill Holstein (Billmoocow)
Registered Member Username: Billmoocow Post Number: 171 Registered: 5-2009 Posted From: 24.21.114.17 Rating: N/A |
And by the way Scott, you are a breath of fresh air! | ||
| Scott Crosby (Scott_crosby)
Registered Member Username: Scott_crosby Post Number: 45 Registered: 12-2011 Posted From: 99.100.88.196 Rating: N/A |
When I bought my bus I had zero intentions of working on it my self, but after taking it to three different mechanics and being very disappointed with their work ethic, inability to work on a 50yr old bus, and breaking stuff every time they worked on it... I just decided that I can do that work myself the right way the first time, but first I need to find out the right way instead of just guessing. I have only two objectives, fixed right and safe. I kinda think I'm the annoying guy asking a bizillion questions. I really thought buying a bus was like buying a car... I didn't know it would become a life changing experience. I won't run out of questions anytime soon... I appreciate the help and discussions very much. It's not fancy, but it brings joy to me and lots of other people. (excluding my neighbors of course) | ||
| L James Jones Jr (Jamo)
Registered Member Username: Jamo Post Number: 240 Registered: 11-2007 Posted From: 74.67.218.12  Rating: N/A |
I'm loving all the questions...and answers, of course. You are asking about some stuff I have not tackled yet and I'm packing the info away for future use. I have saved some threads to my 4104 folder for a memory refresh (or reboot?). Ask away...It's why we're here. | ||
| Bill Gerrie (Bill_gerrie)
Registered Member Username: Bill_gerrie Post Number: 614 Registered: 3-2006 Posted From: 216.198.139.38 Rating: N/A |
Scott Always remember that the only dumb question is the one that you didn't ask. Questions are what keeps this board alive and interesting. Like Jamo says he is archiving the answers for when he needs them. There probably is a lot more doing the same thing. Keep the questions coming. Bill | ||
| Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member Username: Gusc Post Number: 1441 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 173.202.9.238 Rating: N/A |
Scott, I've never had anything to do with DOT with either of my buses and the 4104 looks stock except for the rooftop ACs. My 4107 doesn't even look like a bus,unfortunately! However, with that paint job you have yours may be a magnet for DOT! | ||
| Jim Wilke (Jim Bob) (Pd41044039)
Registered Member Username: Pd41044039 Post Number: 751 Registered: 2-2001 Posted From: 184.0.13.120 Rating: N/A |
I am living in NC currently and to my surprise DOT stops anything here including mopeds. Down south we call em "truck cops" and in 40 years driving in FL I've NEVER seen them pull over anything that was not real commercial stuff. Gettin' harder all the time to stay under the radar. | ||
| Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member Username: Gusc Post Number: 1443 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 173.202.3.61 Rating: N/A |
I'm not recommending you drive with reversed front hubs, I'm just saying I did it with no problems for five years. If I get stopped by DOT I'll just throw up my hands and say I'm from Arkansas and don't know any better! I learned this from my uncle, always worked for him! (Message edited by gusc on January 19, 2012) | ||
| Scott Crosby (Scott_crosby)
Registered Member Username: Scott_crosby Post Number: 51 Registered: 12-2011 Posted From: 99.100.88.196 Rating: N/A |
I wanted to get into them anyway and just do some routine maintenance replacing the seals and lube so swapping them at that time is no biggie. It's on my schedule for Sunday... along with about 10 other things like putting my rear air suspension bags back on... Yesterday I installed the backup cam, new DVD system and 4 more speakers went in this week, new table is going to go in next week, adding seat belts to 5 of the seats I plan on doing Monday, I just got the call that my 2 speed blower motor for the heater box is ready for pickup so I have to put that in this weekend too. They rebuilt it for just over $200... I'm not looking forward to holding a 75lb motor over my head while laying on the ice cold driveway. I remember taking it out and thinking oh God that's going much harder to put back in... well it's probably only 50lbs but it is heavy and it would split my head like a mellon OMG I have so much to do in the next few days!!! AHHHHHHH | ||
| Scott Crosby (Scott_crosby)
Registered Member Username: Scott_crosby Post Number: 52 Registered: 12-2011 Posted From: 99.100.88.196 Rating: N/A |
this has nothing to do with my hubs but I've been out working on the bus again and I'm so cold....it's like 20 deg here and snowing... I'm "California Dreamin" My sister and her friends shot this video a couple of days ago... My sister is the one playing her nose (don't ask)...but it might give you an insight into my family... anyway it warmed me up. This is why we need to start a family band. http://youtu.be/qad4Sx7hfB4 | ||
| L James Jones Jr (Jamo)
Registered Member Username: Jamo Post Number: 241 Registered: 11-2007 Posted From: 74.67.218.12 Rating: N/A |
Now the paint job is starting to make sense. Are you former Califonia hippies? I was an upstate NY hippie/biker. Actually, I still am...well not the hippie part. Just a hairbag biker with a bus problem. The girls did good. Too bad Lawrence Welk is history, eh? | ||
| Scott Crosby (Scott_crosby)
Registered Member Username: Scott_crosby Post Number: 59 Registered: 12-2011 Posted From: 99.100.88.196 Rating: N/A |
Not a Hippie or even close...I like hippies though... I'm a professional photographer in my late 30's... lots of "creatives" like artists, musicians, actors, directors, designers in my family. The bus is a movie prop converted to a Hippie bus by Gate City Films. I bought it from them in California and drove it back to Indiana. Short independent film in post production now, it was sponsored by the San Francisco Film Society. Hopefully hitting the film festival circuit in the next year. Originally I bought it as only a photo prop, until I drove it 2300 miles and fell in love with it. We travel a lot for part if my work, I'm also a professional photographic speaker/author/educator, so we get booked for conventions and workshops all over the country. We also do a lot of Charity work and the bus is going to be another means for us to promote some of our charity efforts. | ||
| L James Jones Jr (Jamo)
Registered Member Username: Jamo Post Number: 242 Registered: 11-2007 Posted From: 74.67.218.12 Rating: N/A |
Sounds like a great plan you have going there Scott. Was Bing one of those creative family members? I was going to ask if it was Bill, but no R in his name. I wish I had gotten into buses in my late 30's (20 years ago), but wasn't in the cards. I am now though, and my wife loves ours as much as I do. Would have been fun to use it for work related stuff, but as a homebuilder, I was pretty much planted here for work. Good luck to you...hope it all works out... | ||
| Douglas Tappan (Dougthebonifiedbusnut)
Registered Member Username: Dougthebonifiedbusnut Post Number: 185 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 98.216.80.83  Rating: N/A |
Just a friendly reminder, Our busses are "privately owned recreational vehicles" not subject to D.O.T. rules and regs. so if one of those miserable revenue collectors stops your Coach ask the A-hole why he or she stopped you. (Nicely of course) | ||
| john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member Username: Chessie4905 Post Number: 2228 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 71.58.71.157 Rating: N/A |
What I meant was- major DOT rejection for OTR trucks. Our coaches aren't usually checked by them, unless it is being used in a commercial application. | ||
| Tom Christman (Tchristman)
Registered Member Username: Tchristman Post Number: 354 Registered: 1-2006 Posted From: 66.218.33.156 Rating: N/A |
One of the first things I did before bringing my bus home from Washington was to have the mechanic up there change the fronts to oil seals. This was in 1993 and have yet to have a leak. All big trucks use oil seals on the front axles. Some trailers now use synthetic grease. Good Luck, TomC | ||
| Scott Crosby (Scott_crosby)
Registered Member Username: Scott_crosby Post Number: 131 Registered: 12-2011 Posted From: 198.228.225.33 Rating: N/A |
I finally got the hubs switched today and converted to oil. It wasnt hard at all. Once we had the right size socket for that nut. We went to do it before my last trip but didn't have the right size socket. We had to go see the MAC tool guy. Anyway it's done and my L and R are now correct. Everything looked good in there, no surprises I'm shocked.  |