Well, a bit of internet access so time for an update on the Al-Ko
I took things easy, took a deep breath and took me and the camper up to Nigg, in the Highlands of Scotland to (thanks everyone) Fraser Brown Engineering.
They lifted the back end, dropped off the axle and opened it up to expose the torsion bars.
To say they had failed was an understatement, but why?
Quite simply because Al-Ko have put the grease nipples in the wrong place and so grease does not find its way to the inner surface of the bearings, where it is needed.
I was 'umming' and 'arrring' about getting the chassis fully reconditioned or just buying a second hand one and putting that on. So, so glad i opted for the fully reconditioned path.
I am taking loads of pictures, but alas the internet in the Highlands is not the fastest, so they might need to follow.
I arrived Thursday and should be off on the road again by Tuesday morning but in that time the axle has been removed and is now in the process of total reconditioning.
View attachment 54305View attachment 54306
Fraser and Sue, his wife, together with Jim and Dougal, from the workshop and Tim (drafted in to help) have all been and continue to be fantastic. It is now Saturday evening and we are more than half way through, finishing off Monday.
There work is to the very highest standards, while it is being done, I am jacked up on blocks at the front of the workshop, as Fraser and Sue's guest, no charge and with EHU.
Some work, such as the cleaning off of the main axle is out sourced to a local company, so Fraser took me along, so I can see the whole process. I am also able to walk about the workshop, following each part and taking as many pictures as I like.
Fraser has axles couriered here from all over the UK and so he takes pictures, so the customer can see the state of things before, during and after reconditioning.
If this was not enough and trust me with this fantastic scenic view, it should be but Fraser and Sue insist on me taking supper with them each evening and tonight, for example, he is smoking (his home smoker, a hobby) some cheese, so I can sample it, with a glass or two of port (well i supplied the port, lol)
To think I may have opted for a second hand Al-Ko axle from a scrappers, which could, of course been equally damaged, as it only really shows under load ! ! ! or it could have failed tomorrow ! ! !
But thanks to great advice from my Wild Camping community, I opted for a trip to Fraser Brown Engineering, where I am confident of the highest standards of workmanship and customer service.
Fraser pointed out that the original grease nipples are actually inaccessible with the fresh water and waste water tanks fitted, so his team will remote them to an accessible point.
I am now confident that a Fraser Brown Engineering reconditioned axle will last longer than the original!
"Never in the field of campervaning, has a breakdown been such a thoroughly enjoyable experience"
Winston the Wanderer 19:45
