Recent content by retired ian

I agree using lubricant increases clamping force. (not to be used unless specified as you correctly say).

Guilty me lud. I had the hubs off this winter . I brushed out the dust. I checked the brake shoes had enough friction surface and the lining material hadn't delaminated. I checked nothing had fallen off or gone rusty. I fitted new axle nuts but not wheel bolts. I replaced the tyres. I...

I agree, there is a danger with torque settings. When the paint has worn off the tapered bolt location, does the mean the clamping force is reduced or increased? Does the graphite in the cast drums have and lubricating qualities? Would new bolts every time a wheel is off produce any benefits...

Thanks for that info. I recently changed the 13 pin plug on my caravan. And yes, this was my first place to check. The old plug was stored in the "A" frame receptacle. Over the years, rain was able to penetrate the back end seal. This corroded the screws and wires. But it all checked out ok...

Whilst I agree the spigot is used for location, the spigot becomes the fail safe in a slack wheel situation. The current car industry's standard practice. Just a link to Youtube video showing the relationship between lubricated bolts and dry bolts. From what I can read from this . The torque...

Just found this information, it might clear up any doubts. Just assume we started from a situation with loose bolts. This is what Ronal Wheels USA had to say about hub centricity... "Hubcentric" is another term that is often not mentioned or is misunderstood. A hubcentric wheel is a wheel...

Just to reply to some of your answers, and a big thank you for your input. The led was green at start and finish. The button idea would not affect any functionality, the button would only test the system, " test cycle". All other functions would remain the same. The bolts didn't break, we...

smashing up the bolts, and here they are in the scale of things quite puny and not applied as "fitted shear bolts", just tension loading bolts. Also the bolts have 60 degree taper and are used to locate the wheel. If the bolts have lost torque, a locking device would allow the bolts to continue...

Just for information the wheel bolts are 10.9 Grade 10.9 bolts have a minimum tensile strength of 1040 MPa (145,000 psi). Here's a more detailed breakdown: What is a Grade 10.9 bolt? These bolts are known for their high strength and are often used in applications requiring high clamping...

Not sure about the locking device. But the aircraft industry use positive locking and it tends to work. Your other point about power supply is valid. I'm going to set up a voltmeter and variable resistor and power the ATC with a battery. I'll then turn down the voltage and see where it drops...

A cars front wheels have driven,stop and turn. A caravan only brake. I agree bolts don't turn until there's an issue. Fail safe is a good motto.

I found it hard to describe the test button proposed for the ATC. The way I was thinking was. 1 Connect 13 pin plug, this applies power to ATC. 2 press test button and make ATC cycle as normal. Green LED all ok. 3 should the power be interrupted during travel the ATC would still be powered...

I've only been towing for 3 years, so if this has been discussed before I'm sorry. I had a wheel detached and strike a car recently. I had caravan stored at home on axle stands. The wheels were free running. I checked the 130nm wheel bolts as soon as it was on the ground. On the day of travel I...