They say it comes in threes

 
 
 
 
 
 
TommyS
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They say it comes in threes

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Posted: 12.09.2024  ·  #1
En route to Switzerland I thought that it was the new tyres making a noise but I think it's now a front wheel bearing. The noise has got progressively worse so will have to get it looked at. The heater started to go cold and I think it is the cap of the expansion tank. Had this before and someone on here advised me to get a new cap which cured it. And number 3 the horn was hanging off just by the wire. It was OK yesterday as I tooted at a woman who cut across me on the motorway. I always wanted a lorry horn so nows my chance So I have a few days finding someone to fix these things


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Re: They say it comes in threes

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Posted: 12.09.2024  ·  #2
Quote by TommyS

En route to Switzerland I thought that it was the new tyres making a noise but I think it's now a front wheel bearing. The noise has got progressively worse so will have to get it looked at. The heater started to go cold and I think it is the cap of the expansion tank. Had this before and someone on here advised me to get a new cap which cured it. And number 3 the horn was hanging off just by the wire. It was OK yesterday as I tooted at a woman who cut across me on the motorway. I always wanted a lorry horn so nows my chance So I have a few days finding someone to fix these things


Invariably the sound of a dodgy wheel bearing sounds to be coming from a wheel which is not the actual source.
Get all four checked to find the actual offender.


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Re: They say it comes in threes

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Posted: 12.09.2024  ·  #3
I think it's ok to drive with the dodgy bearing for quite a while but it's annoying and you feel it's going to fall apart any second but it doesn't


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They say it comes in threes

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Posted: 12.09.2024  ·  #4
I wouldn't run it too long without getting it looked at. noise is a dry or rusty bearing, this will heat which melts the grease, check if there is any sign of grease on the inside of the hub. they can be difficult to replace ,requiring a hefty hydraulic press to remove the old one and fit in the new. be careful of a dealer they like to charge big money for the job, look more for a regular truck repair shop.


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Re: They say it comes in threes

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Posted: 13.09.2024  ·  #5
Hopefully get in somewhere Tommy and get looked at, we had 3 things happened us when we were away on the same day, it’s so bad I can’t even think about it let along type in craic , good luck, where exactly are you ,village or town type place


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Re: They say it comes in threes

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Posted: 13.09.2024  ·  #6
Quote by sprinter

I wouldn't run it too long without getting it looked at. noise is a dry or rusty bearing, this will heat which melts the grease, check if there is any sign of grease on the inside of the hub. they can be difficult to replace ,requiring a hefty hydraulic press to remove the old one and fit in the new. be careful of a dealer they like to charge big money for the job, look more for a regular truck repair shop.


Budget for €400 per wheel. In Spain, the main stealer rate is €74 plus VAT. An ordinary garage is about €37.50 plus VAT

I had wheel-bearing trouble earlier this year. First I took it to Comauto in Castellon De La Plana who replaced both front charging 5 hours labour. I still had a bearing noise so I took it to I-VANMOTORS just outside L'Hospitalet de I'Infant who correctly diagnosed the noise was coming from a rear wheel bearing and replaced it, charging for 4 hours plus €116 for the bearing.

As said, the rear wheel bearing can be a pig to remove without a substantial press

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Re: They say it comes in threes

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Posted: 13.09.2024  ·  #7
I've it booked into Fiat garage in Interlaken and expect it to cost a few quid. I was initially directed to a business, Top Camp in Interlaken who serviced the habitation but not the vehicle. They had a great accessory shop at great prices. The guy there spoke good English, took details and got it booked in for me. I have to expect things to go wrong because of the age of the van just not while on holidays. I've replaced one bearing in 21 years so not so bad


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Re: They say it comes in threes

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Posted: 13.09.2024  ·  #8
Quote by TommyS

I've it booked into Fiat garage in Interlaken and expect it to cost a few quid. I was initially directed to a business, Top Camp in Interlaken who serviced the habitation but not the vehicle. They had a great accessory shop at great prices. The guy there spoke good English, took details and got it booked in for me. I have to expect things to go wrong because of the age of the van just not while on holidays. I've replaced one bearing in 21 years so not so bad


Front or rear ?
Front are usually fairly straightforward. I've know of a rear which couldn't be pulled and the hob had to be cut off 😯 and that replaced too

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Re: They say it comes in threes

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Posted: 13.09.2024  ·  #9
It's the front. I can't tell if it's left or right but I know they will charge plenty


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Re: They say it comes in threes

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Posted: 14.09.2024  ·  #10
FWIW, here's my experience.
My car, Volvo S40, I was convinced it was a front right, it turned out to be the front left.
Wife's car, Suzuki Swift, I was convinced it was the rear left, it was in fact the front left.
My MH, on FIAT AL-KO, I was convinced it was the front left, it was the rear right.

NEVER trust your ears while driving, check each wheel individually with it off the ground.


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Re: They say it comes in threes

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Posted: 16.09.2024  ·  #11
Took it today to get it looked at, they confirmed it's the left one. I was shocked at price, any guesses? Thing is I think it might be both wheels.


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They say it comes in threes

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Posted: 16.09.2024  ·  #12
Quote by TommyS

Took it today to get it looked at, they confirmed it's the left one. I was shocked at price, any guesses? Thing is I think it might be both wheels.


If your shocked and thinking of doing both, I would guess it is on the very low side of what we think of getting work done in an agent at home but then again here we are in a RIP off economy ,


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Re: They say it comes in threes

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Posted: 16.09.2024  ·  #13
Martin it's 750 Swiss Francs, £673 or €797. They are saying the bearing is £180. I could get 6 of them at home for that, maybe more. That's 1 wheel, I'm praying it's not 2. If the second one is dodgy I'll drive it to France. I could have flown a mechanic here and done it cheaper if had access to a press.
Ah well the joys of Motorhoming

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Re: They say it comes in threes

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Posted: 16.09.2024  ·  #14
Looking at my invoice from Comauto Fiat Professional Service Centre, the official time allowance for replacing a front wheel bearing is 2.5 hours, they did add on an extra hour for contingency in case of unforseen difficulty because of corrosion. The Fiat OM front wheel bearing is charged at €120.48 + VAT.

While a mechanics time might be charged out at brain surgeons rates in Switzerland the cost of the bearing should be a standard Fiat price.
In fact the whole job should be priced according to the Fiat menu of prices.

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Re: They say it comes in threes

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Posted: 17.09.2024  ·  #15
I'm not used to paying Fiat prices for parts that's why it seems so expensive. I left it off this morning at 0730, still waiting


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Re: They say it comes in threes

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Posted: 17.09.2024  ·  #16
Hopefully get it sorted and back on your way again

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Re: They say it comes in threes

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Posted: 17.09.2024  ·  #17
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