Replacing Front Wheel Seal, etc.

[Glennman]

Hey guys, In checking fluids, I noticed my front passenger wheel was low on my '02 MCI D4500. Knowing that the oil had to go somewhere, I checked the front brakes and they have oil on them. So, before my trip next weekend (assuming I get this fixed), I'll need to take it all apart and replace brakes, seals, etc.

In trying to save some time, do you guys know part numbers, or do I need to take it all apart first in order to get those? I've done this on previous buses, and the way I recall is the local truck parts store needs part numbers rather than bus make and model. If it wasn't for the short timing, I would order from Luke, but I'm hoping to get the stuff locally and save time if possible. When I replaced brake shoes on my '74, I had to send them in to be reshoed. I'm hoping with this '02 that they will have some shoes on stock.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[luvrbus]

Heat the shoes a little with a propane torch and wipe down with acetone a few times and the oil will come out,then don't worry about the seal till after your trip just pack the inter and outer bearings with grease that way you don't get off in the parts deal delaying your trip and enjoy your trip to Idaho

[Glennman]

Thank you luvrbus! I went ahead and took apart the assembly this morning before work so that I could get parts before the 3 day weekend. The bearing retainer bolts were in remarkably good shape, no one apparently having removed them with a chisel in lieu of proper sockets, so I was quite pleased. Everything looks brand new inside (bearings, races, nuts, spindle, etc.). The oil on the shoes is quite minimal. I went ahead and got a new seal locally this morning and will be replacing that tomorrow. However, in the meantime, I got a hold of Luke at US Coach and I'm ordering new drums, shoes and shocks (etc.) for both sides and should be getting those in before the Idaho trip in late June. The trip I'm wanting to make sooner is next weekend when we will be going to the lake (about 200 miles round trip; maiden voyage). So, I will clean the shoes like you suggested and that will get me by, but I should be able to get all the other parts in even before the Idaho trip!

On a side note, if I may, Luke said the new drums will have the machine screws to attach the drums to the hubs (like my '74 has). However, the drum I removed this morning does not have the screws, and there are no screw holes either. It came off as soon as I backed off the brakes. Luke was surprised about that. Are there two different kinds of drums?

[luvrbus]

If you have hub pilot wheels they don't have screws holding the drum in place,one of the best places to buy brake parts is located in your area fwiw

[chessie4905]

Be careful when installing those oil seals. Screw up and wet lining...AGAIN.

[luvrbus]

Be careful when installing those oil seals. Screw up and wet lining...AGAIN.

MCI has a wear sleave on the spindle you replace with the seal too, if you don't replace it you are wasting your time .MCI uses a seal that rotates inside the outer seal housing if those do not spin smooth and easy return the seal because they will leak in a few miles 

[Glennman]

How is the wear sleeve on the spindle replaced? It looks like it's all one piece.

Also, I believe I read where 10/40 oil is used in the hub, but I see YouTube videos where people are using 75/90 gear oil in their semi-truck hubs (the spindle hubs).

[luvrbus]

How is the wear sleeve on the spindle replaced? It looks like it's all one piece.

Also, I believe I read where 10/40 oil is used in the hub, but I see YouTube videos where people are using 75/90 gear oil in their semi-truck hubs (the spindle hubs).

[luvrbus]

Every one I know uses the Lucas Hub Oil

[Glennman]

Sounds great luvrbus. I'm ready to put the oil in it now. One thing about it, I'll be able to see how the seal is doing when I take it apart again in a couple of weeks.