Am in the process of doing some preventative maintenance, stripping the rear hub to clean it up prior to fitting one of these plugs. Anybody doing the same be aware that you will likely need some serious leverage to get the nuts off - especially if they've been overtightened. Mine were at the correct torque but even so I needed to bounce on 1m of breaker bar. (A wooden stake carefully jammed thru the wheel stopped it moving). Socket was a 1/2" Laser impact jobbie - forget tally ones, simply not up to it. I've now learned that you also need some pretty large external circlip pliers. The circlip retaining the brake hanger & hub is about 90mm in diameter & plier jaws need to be able to open to 40mm or so. I'm hoping my set will arrive soon...
Guys. Just getting round to doing mine. So I’ve found mini boulders inside mine !! There is another hole about half way along the swing arm too. So will need to plug both of these to prevent this happening again. Anyone drilled out the drain hole yet ?
2013 GT. 14,000 miles. Been meaning to get to this for a long time. Glad I did now !! Never been off-road either !! Getting the hub out was a mare. It’s cleaned up fairly well luckily but still some scores. Think I’m going to plug all three and maybe make he drain hole slightly bigger should anything ever get in.
It really isn't the best design! What a shame they weren't plugged from new. I thought I'd resolved the risk of crap getting in but may have to re-visit now
The DVT models dont have the large hole at the front, but still have the two large holes in the hollow section, I've cut and shaped an old oil container and bonded it over the nearest hole to try to cut down the gravel ingress, Ive scheduled to pull the hub again at the end of the year to inspect/regrease so I;ll see whats in there then, hopefully LOTS less than last time
Some sugru and stainless mesh. Other holes are done in the same way. Nightmare to access it and all done with eyes shut and tongue out to concentrate
I have the complete hub/axle apart to replace the axle and clean everything.... Why are these holes there in the first place? Lightness? And I'll plug all these holes is it advisable to plug the drain hole as well? Thanks
Think it’s part of the casting process. I personally made the drain hole larger for water and any debris that may still find its way in. But more aware now and keeping an eye out and checking the drain hole going forward.
Hi all,in the process of cleaning the rear hub. wheel nut off no problem,sprocket nut will not budge even with scaffolding pole on 600mm breaker bar.daft question?? please tell me it’s a normal thread not a left handed thread.
Normal thread - lefty-loosey. Probably the first time someone's tried to undo it since the factory. Probably one for a rattle gun undo...
Thanks for the piece of mind keith,my thoughts exactly about the first time off.will have to get down my mates garage to see if he can shift it with a gun.