auto hub buzzing

[perelaar]

Since I replaced the front brake discs and cleaned/greased the freewheel hubs on my T2, I regularly get a buzzing sound from the driver side hub.

The braking disc (in front of the spring inside the hub) seems to be not sticking. Once I put it in 4x4 the buzzing stops, and (for a while) stays away after shifting it in 2-wheel drive. Reversing helps a bit, but not for long.

I have re-stripped, cleaned and assembled the hub, used different grease, used less grease. As I have a long highway drive tomorrow morning I'm now thinking of just removing the spring and braking disc inside the hub. I don't dare to drive too long with the sound going on, as the hub heats up considerably.
So, removing the offending parts: good idea as temp fix, or plain stupid?

Any ideas on how to stop it misbehaving are welcome as well. I used exactly the same procedure (from the download section here on the forum) for both hubs, the passenger side works fine.

 

[Sweety]

My last T2 the auto hub would stick/jam on but got told off someone on here years ago to put about 3/4 of an egg cup of oil into the auto hubs (have to remove them to do so) & never had any more problems from them:thumbs might be worth a try as you've got nothing to loose

 

[solarman216]

sweety is right pour some oil in cos otherwise you have to remove the multi coil circlip to remove the inner hub to grease it, Rick

 

[perelaar]

Forgot to tell, did that as well. But I used light machine oil, maybe I should've used something different? Anyway, off with the hub, and in goes the oil again. Will let you know in 15 min if it worked

 

[jims-terrano]

Inspect the brake ring carefully for cracks on the lugs on the inner edge of the ring. Slight crack or sprane can cause them to jam together. They also heat up too.

 

[Sweety]

I used 10w40 engine oil if I remember right

 

[solarman216]

incidentally removing the brake ring and spring will not cure it as it is the two parts, one on hub and one on shaft that are causing the problem, as they are getting dry and as the hub turns it starts to turn the shaft which turns the dif and could, with oil drag lock the other hub, so making the process even more of a problem, just oil it, Rick

 

[perelaar]

Added oil (bog standard engine oil from the spare can in the back of the T2), took it for a decent spin. City traffic, highway, parking manoeuvres, 4 wheel high & low. No more buzzing.

Thanks chaps

 

[Sweety]

That's great news & a free fix at that:thumbs

 

[perelaar]

In the end, it is not completely fixed. The buzzing started again after 25 km on the highway. Slowed down, shifted to 4x4 for a few seconds, and got off when I could. Did not occur again in the next 25 km.
I'm looking at manual hubs now - I don't feel very safe at the moment with that hub. Anyone tips on manual hubs? Or willing to sell (and send to Belgium...)?

 

[Mav96]

are you sure its the hubs ? try swapping them over, then if noise does change sides you are right but if the buzzing remains same side then :nenau
but it will confirm if it is the auto hub

 

[perelaar]

It is the hub, have already swapped them over once to test.

 

[Mav96]

Well now I know lol I used copper spray on mine last year when 1 locked on been OK since, have you checked the wear limit as in the manual?

 

[perelaar]

Wear limit check tonight . But my mind is set, I'll go for fixed hubs.

 

[jims-terrano]

Like I said earlier have a real close look at the lugs on the inner edge of the brake rings. People knock and ignore my posts but I've suffered the exact same issue and ended up fitting AVM manual hubs from milners. Still think autos are far better when working correctly but any damage on those brake rings and you'll have no end of problems.