Date: Mon, 13 Aug 2012 19:41:12 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Road Story to share
In-Reply-To: <CA+Spi20DKBw5=b+gZ=ZJ97bxkZsBfeeu99LKOosNXhFe8n_pZg@mail.gmail.com>
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Now you need to properly fix what caused that nut to loosen. The nut was not
properly torqued last time it was a part. Now that it came loose while
driving the wheel flange is worn and the splines tweaked so it needs to be
replaced. The splines on the axle shaft need to be carefully inspected
(measured) and it is possible that also has to be replaced. Otherwise it
will fail and loosen again and once the splines completely shear off you
will be stranded. For real fun wait until the wheel and drum come off.
You'll be amazed at how much body and fender work gets damaged as that
assembly works off as you try to get to the side of the road.
Seriously that failure is a symptom, not the actual problem.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jeff Lincoln
Sent: Monday, August 13, 2012 12:30 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Road Story to share
Ok Volks - I have to share this one - I'll try to make it short.
While traveling home from Buses of the Corn yesterday we had an issue with
our rear driver's side axle nut being loose - and one side of the cotter pin
was sheared off. We were at a rest stop when I discovered the issue (I'm
sparing the details because this isn't the important part of the story).
So we carefully limped to the nearest city - Woodstock, Ontario, hoping to
catch Canadian Tire (or any other place) before they closed. Problem was it
was after 7:00pm on a Sunday. The only place I could find was a Walmart
open.I came out of Walmart, empty handed and a bit concerned - Patty was
calling our cell phone carrier to try to figure out why we couldn't access
the data in Canada (we were attempting to get to the Rescue Squad website).
It was at that time that I noticed a nice looking "87 or '88 Westy across
the parking lot. I figured at very least I'd find a sympathetic bus pilot.
Turns out the van was owned by the uncle of the man who owned the restaurant
that it was parked behind. His name was Gus and he was a very generous
fellow who after hearing our problem promptly drove to his home to get tools
and some cotter pins. He returned and helped us tighten that nut up a little
bit and provided several pins so that we had spares.
We limped home carefully and safely - and Gus turned what could have been a
stressful situation into a great bus story about human kindness.
So if you are ever in or passing through the Woodstock, Ontario area stop in
and have a meal at Gus' place - it is a very short drive off of the 401
Heritage Pancake House
815 Juliana Drive
Woodstock, Ontario
N4V 1A2
I figure telling folks to stop into his place is the least I can do to help
repay the kindness he gave to a family of foreigners in a bind. You've got
to love the bus community (and Canada :) )
--
Thanks,
Jeff
'85 GL (Gertie)
'78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus
P.S. - Gertie is currently at the garage being attended to.
