Military Vehicles, February 1997,: M35a2 wheel hop

M35a2 wheel hop

Dave DeChambeau (Davedec@novais.com)
Sat, 22 Feb 1997 17:38:05 -0500

Thanks again to all those that sent advice concerning the strange hopping, I
experienced while driving 45mph in my 6x6. Actually, some of you diagnosed
my problem correctly.
I've got some good news, and some bad.
First the good, I found the source of wheel hop on my 2 /12 ton cargo, and
it's no longer hopping.
The bad news is, the left front wheel fell off east bound on hwy 66 near hwy
123 in Washington DC!
Actually, the wheel had the courtesy to fall off after I saw the smoke in
the rear view mirror and stop, in the commuter lane. It seems the outer
wheel bearing failed and is designed to 'release' the wheel when it occurs.
Interstingly, I removed all wheels and checked for lateral or verticle play
in the axle assemblies and found none. Obviously my advice to anyothers
experiencing a vibration, wobble or hop is to remove and inspect all wheels,
bearings, axles and seals.
I consider myself lucky when considering the possible damage caused by a
300 lb. wheel, careening down 66 at 50!

David