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Jules *
Joined: 24 Jul 2009 Posts: 10 Location: Swansea
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Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 7:15 Post subject: Free Wheeling Fatboy |
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Hi Everyone,
My first question and it's a dumb one, so bear with me.
I've just had to replace all four tyres on my Vitara Fatboy (ouch). The alloys have locked cosmetic covers over the hubs. I've noticed that the hubs are set to locked, which makes sense as otherwise you'd have to remove the covers with an allen key to lock them before selecting 4WD.
As I'm driving on road, is it better to unlock to save wear? And will this improve the turning lock?
I was just wondering if anyone had any words of wisdow they could share.
Take Care
Jules |
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Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 7:15 Post subject: Google Ads keep this community free to join! |
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Retro ***
Joined: 18 Jul 2009 Posts: 154 Location: South Lakes
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Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 7:54 Post subject: |
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Jules, I am not familer with the covers on the Fatboy wheel hubs , but other than that the vits have the same mechanichs, I always leave mine in "FREE" and hop out when going off road and switch them into "LOCK".
Runnning in "FREE" reduces fuel consumption, reduces wear on the front axel and diff assembly, save the tyre wear and makes it a little quiter to drive.
Being an engineer I have made a tool for turning the hubs on and off I will post a pic when I get away from work
Hope this helps. |
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Jules *
Joined: 24 Jul 2009 Posts: 10 Location: Swansea
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Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 8:00 Post subject: |
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Thanks Retro,
Thats great!
Jules |
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Retro ***
Joined: 18 Jul 2009 Posts: 154 Location: South Lakes
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Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 17:27 Post subject: |
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As said I made a hub tool for doing mine saves all that hassle when its freezing cold and your fingers don't work properly
The brass bit on the bottom is filled with epoxy resin then shaped to fit onto the free wheeling hub, so as not to damage it, might also work well on a Fat boy where you have to reach into the wheel to access the hub. Maybe you could make one or something similar and then cut a small hole in the cosmetic cover just large enough for the tool to go through onto the hub, you can then have the best of both worlds.
When not in use I drilled a hole in the little tray on the side of the drivers seat so the hub tool is held in place and is always easy to find.
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Jules *
Joined: 24 Jul 2009 Posts: 10 Location: Swansea
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Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 20:07 Post subject: |
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Wow, thanks for that.
I've unlocked them as it seems pointless if I'm not in 4wd.
Someone remind me if it snows!
Jules |
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kinx **
Joined: 22 Nov 2009 Posts: 93 Location: SHIPLEY // BRADFORD
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Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 19:50 Post subject: |
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i like the idea of this tool should make a name for it then ill copy u hehe think my right hub has gone its stiff to turn i gota use mole grips as i found out with this snow i dont always have the grips just got my first welder so might see what i can make |
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Retro ***
Joined: 18 Jul 2009 Posts: 154 Location: South Lakes
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Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 20:08 Post subject: |
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Sound's like the hubs could do with coming off cleaning a re-packing with grease, my N/S one is stiffer (oh er missus ) than my O/S even after cleaning out, I found it wasn't actually the bit of the hub that does the work it was behind the bit you turn, the o ring was letting in salt and carp, so replaced it and applied a bit of Vaseline it works a treat.
I would say the "tool" is the most used bit of kit in my Vit never go in 4 wheel drive with out it, made out of some odd and sods I found laying around. _________________ There not canoes more of a snorkel and aero aid rolled into one |
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kinx **
Joined: 22 Nov 2009 Posts: 93 Location: SHIPLEY // BRADFORD
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Posted: Mon Feb 22, 2010 0:27 Post subject: |
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ok guna try wen i get home from work tmoz and as for ((THE TOOL)) i got a lil blue print goin on but i was to much of a wimp to see whats in the shed i can make it from |
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twofloats *
Joined: 13 Dec 2009 Posts: 15 Location: southampton
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Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2010 2:41 Post subject: hi been told |
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hi been told if you run with them unlocked its best to lock them every so often to keep axel oil in good condition have fun |
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Retro ***
Joined: 18 Jul 2009 Posts: 154 Location: South Lakes
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Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2010 8:51 Post subject: |
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That sounds like good advice to me _________________ There not canoes more of a snorkel and aero aid rolled into one |
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