Fairey Free Wheeling Hubs

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lastV8 · #1 Post by **lastV8** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 7:52 pm

Hello, Why would a FWH sqeak ? If I lock them both no problem. However when running in free position the right one sqeaks. Series III box is perfect and front prop spins freely when unlocked. I know only the wheel bearing should be spinning when unlocked. Bearing is fine and full of grease. Why does the sqeak dissapear when I lock the hubs ? Has anyone else experienced this problem ? Any theories would be appreciated. Thanks, Steven.

DaveB · #2 Post by **DaveB** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:57 pm

When unlocked, you have rotation between the wheel hub and the drive flange, thus if the roller bearings that separate the two are either dry or worn out — and in some cases they may be non-existent. I had a set of Warn hubs where they rattled along for several thousand miles before becoming noticably noisy. I didn't have precisely the same roller bearings available and couldn't find a rebuild kit, but I took a few of the remaining roller bearings in to the local jobber and we compared roller bearing sizes in some ujoint caps and found a suitable substitute. They've going along quietly for about 10 years since.

I'm in Armstrong, so if you're up for a Saturday afternoon rebuild...

cheers, Dave

lastV8 · #3 Post by **lastV8** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 10:27 pm

Hello Dave, thanks for reply. The drive flange is bolted to the wheel hub so how can there be any rotation ? The endcap just disconnects the shaft from this flange allowing it to freewheel. Where are these roller bearings ? I've had both FWH in pieces and all seems fine - no bearings though, just bronze bushes, springs etc.
Might have to take you up on your offer. I can make Armstrong in 30 mins or 29 with hubs locked out and a sqeal !
Cheers, Steven.

DaveB · #4 Post by **DaveB** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 10:41 pm

Well, maybe the Fairey is designed differently from the Warn hubs and uses bushes instead of bearings. Might the springs be a bit loose in released position and just be dragging along and making a squeal?

Is this the kind you have?

http://www.pangolin4x4.com/pangolin4x4/ ... eyhubs.jpg

If you can fix my brake squeal on my Disco, I'll have a go at your hub squeal on your series truck. :lol: Some problems are not made to be fixed!

Dave

lastV8 · #5 Post by **lastV8** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 10:48 pm

Hello Dave, That's them. You gave me an idea. I will swap springs and see if the noise changes sides. As for fancy disc brakes I just take the wheel off and steam clean with a jet wash. Failing that new pads.
Thanks for the lead, Steven.

John · #6 Post by **John** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 7:58 am

Like Dave said it is likely a case of poor lubrication (usually why things squeak). Check your oil level in the swivel balls and engage the hubs to splash some oil around. Do you engage the hubs from time to time (weekly?) to give some lubrication? When running in cold winter conditions, especially on longer highway runs it is a good idea to leave the hubs engaged as well for this very reason.

lastV8 · #7 Post by **lastV8** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 4:21 pm

Hello John, Once engaged or disengaged they don't really require much lubrication. The railko bush needs lubrication and thats why you should engage them occassionaly. Thats steering and seperate from the FWH.
When driving disengaged everything is dead apart from the wheel bearing. Nothing turns. The halfshaft, hardy spicer etc. are completely motionless. Thats why I can't understand the squeak. If it was lack of lube I would get problems when the hubs were locked. The shaft is now being dragged or turned if in 4X4. Thanks for your input, Steven.

Greg S · #8 Post by **Greg S** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 12:20 pm

When the hubs are locked IN- there is NO relative movement between the parts in the hub. SO NO NOISE.

WHEN the hubs are UNLOCKED there is 100% (total) movement of the hub relative to the axle shaft. There HAS to be a lubricant in the hub or you will burn it out. It will ONLY WEAR WHEN DISSENGAGED.

lastV8 · #9 Post by **lastV8** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 4:05 pm

Yes when unlocked the shaft is stationary and the wheel hub is turning. The FWH (WHEN UNLOCKED) disconnects the flange from the shaft and is therefore isolated. There is NO contact, NO wear and NO chance of burning out. Only a light lubrication is needed to help teeth engage and dissengage. The wheel bearing obviously needs packing with grease and turns constantly regardless of what the FWH is doing.
Regards, Steven.

Greg S · #10 Post by **Greg S** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 9:35 pm

Sorry, you can't picture it so we can't help you.

lastV8 · #11 Post by **lastV8** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 9:44 pm

I know Greg it's difficult without having the pieces in front of you. The FWH just replaces a standard drive flange. Just like the back axle. No special maintenance or lube is required. Its just a simple mechanism that disconnects the half shaft from the drive flange. That's why I can't understand the noise. Swapped the end caps today. Will test drive at weekend. Thanks for your help, Steven.

Greg S · #12 Post by **Greg S** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 4:57 pm

Think about it for a minute-----.

The wheel turns as it goes down the road. The FWH is UNlocked. The FWH turns WITH the wheel. What is happening to the axle?

A.) It's turning. So disengage your 4 wheel drive at the transfer case and try it again.
B.) It isn't turning. SO-----the hub, flange and FWH are all turning with the wheel meaning there must be movement in relation between the stationary axle and rotating FWH and other bits. You better have some lube in the hub somewhere.

lastV8 · #13 Post by **lastV8** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 5:07 pm

Hello Greg, Yes I agree with everything you say. When unlocked there has to be some parts moving and some parts stationary. These parts are however totally seperate. There is no contact if the FWH is doing its job correctly. The hub is free wheeling.
Thanks, Steven.

lastV8 · #14 Post by **lastV8** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 8:01 pm

Removed both FWH's and swapped sides. Squeak was still on the right so I will eliminate faulty hubs. Changed wheel bearing (although the old one looked fine) and cleaned up the brake drum. These are the only turning parts when hubs are locked out. Had it up to 75 mph and no squeak !
Thanks for everyones input, Steven.

The Rover-Landers of BC

The Rover-Landers of BC

Fairey Free Wheeling Hubs

Fairey Free Wheeling Hubs