How do I get clearence to undo wheel nuts. Does the plastic ring around the freewheeling hubs prise off.

- (#7455) kay Board, 2 Mar 03

YES! Just prise off the free wheeling hub covers for the front, or the equivalent centres for the rears. This then gives you easy access to the wheel nuts. HTH Rob.

- (#7456) Rob Drinkwater, 2 Mar 03

Hi
I have 2wd, 1990 townie, which has drumming sound coming from the front nearside wheel when driving, this noise increases as the vehicle speed increases.
Also there is an ocassional loud metallic banging sound coming from the same area. Does this sound like a wheel bearing, if so how easy is it to repalce.
thanks

- (#8922) kevin, 4 Jun 03 13:00

Drumming possibly the bearing, loud noises suggest stop don't drive and whip the wheel off.
If all looks in order try adjusting the wheel bearing. If it needs changing it's one of the easier assemblies to change, as long as the stub and hub are not damaged, castelated nut, split pin, nut and flat washer, then catch your disc as it slips off. Inner and outer races are taper fit and should drop out.
Pack with HMP grease on re-assembly.
Have a look on aceAnswers, and you should have started a new thread with your question.

- (#8923) Clive, 4 Jun 03 15:59

Yes I would agree with Clive, the drumming is undoubtedly wheel bearings. Mine have been bad for over 6 months. I'll get round to changing them one day. The loud metallic banging noise could be something hitting/catching the brake disc shield. Anything else in that area would sound more like a thud or knock. Get the wheels off, bearings out and checked and check the clearances between disc and shield.

- (#8924) Ian Dunse, 5 Jun 03 4:24

Going back to prising off the hubcaps. The spring fingers hold them on very tightly. I keep an old 4 inch nail, a round one, in my tool kit for this, with some red tape on it so I don't lose it. It's the best thing I've found for the job. Hold the point pointing towards you and tuck the side of the nail head into the tiny gap between the hubcap and the wheel. You can then lever the cap out gently at several places without accidents.

- (#8925) Dave Mason, 5 Jun 03 6:27