NO 5TH GEAR after replacing drive shafts

[@webgibs]

Great job your lucky to have mates like Chas ..I wish I had skills like that ..

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Chas who? 🤣 Only joking, webgibs. You are right, we are very lucky to know Chas 👍👍

[@sleepycatpictures1176]

Ah, grease on the outside of the driveshaft oil seal. Not a good idea with Disco 2's . . . ! Good to see Chas back in action and well done with that job! Magnificent job all of you!

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Thanks Sleepy Cats 🐈 👍👍

[@suziemc5291]

what a palaver, it will be like having a new van once done. we have a 2005 Kon-Tiki and there is always something that needs attention. currently in New Quay Wales and have been touring for a month and at the moment we have zero running side lights (the yellow ones) on the driver's side so can only drive in daylight hours. it's the shortest day this month so roll on spring. safe travels.

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

We enjoy doing it, Suzie Mc but we'd rather be out camping in Herman. Shame about your running lights. I assume it's not the bulbs or fuses that have blown? Enjoy your trip away. Our next trip is Christmas 🎅 with Chas, Alex and Gary 👍👍

[@TheJuip]

you are lucky to have such a great help, normal people have to go to the garage and leave poor after payiing the bill !

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Oh I know I'm lucky, euro 6. Thanks for commenting. I hope you enjoyed the video?

[@CraftyCampervanners]

Have you got a long bar??? Absolutely hilarious 🤣 sorry to hear that Herman is poorly again. We have everything crossed for you that he’s sorted soon xx

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Thanks Pete and Kaz. We hope to be back on the road soon. We have plans for Christmas. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@Wheres_wanda_wandering]

Looks like a good job. Take care Gill

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Thanks Gill. 👍👍

[@greenjacket66]

brilliant vlog

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Cheers Larry, we're glad you enjoyed it👍👍

[@wiggy5355]

We went to Southern Ireland last month. Just before we got to Fishguard we noticed we didn’t have any back lights and the odometer was flashing. So we phoned the RAC to meet us at the port, with three hours before we had to get on the ferry. The RAC said they won’t get there in time, so arranged to meet us with another Repair in Rosslare. Got to Rosslare 4 1/2 hours later no recovery it would be an hour and a half before he can get there. Said he would take us to a garage in Wexford where it is mate would look at it. But not until 12:30 the next day. We asked him where the nearest Fiat garage was and he said three hours away. So we stopped in a pub car park for the night and really enjoyed. Google the nearest Fiat garage in the morning and it was only 40 minute drive. So they said come over they Fixed the back lights . but not the ECU that was causing the problems with the flashing odometer and seatbelt and airbags. But after two hours diagnostic test to see what was wrong and fixing the lights €30 couldn’t believe it and gave us a part number for the ECU. There’s some wonderful people in this world it’s nice to see. ❤

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Great story with a fantastic result, Wiggy. Thanks for sharing 👍. 👍

[@thenoworriesnomad]

Great video...👍

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Thanks, The No Worries Nomad 👍. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@gw9568]

Inner cv joints knackered if throwing grease out must have felt shuddering like wheels need balancing,if the inners are new I think the shafts are too long and are locking up throwing grease out,filling them full of more grease will mask it for few runs out but it will return 👍

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Thanks GW but we'd had just replaced both drive shafts and then found that a boot had split..

[@redbarron7293]

Wow you’re lucky to have such a great mate who enjoys spinning a spanner or two…

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Oh believe me Red Barron, I know. Chas is a great friend with all the gear

[@SB-zp5dc]

Looks like Herman will be up and running soon. Chas seems to be enjoying himself even if you did need to bleep him 🤬. Say hi for me.

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

I will do SB. Herman will be OK soon and we hope to go out Christmas

[@johnb307]

Great video Ads and I guess now that the work is almost complete you will be trading in 🤣🤣

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

LOL 😂😂. Not on your nelly, John B. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@hornetboy3694]

Awesome video thank you

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Glad you enjoyed the video, Hornetboy36 👍

[@JohnnyBurr]

Herman’s a character isn’t he??😂😂😂

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

LOL, he is that, Johnny Burr 👍👍

[@Tom-le2px]

Really enjoyed the vlog especially as not one mention of the latest power plant every you tuber is pushing at the moment, guess you have not received one yet 😂Chas is a star and obviously a great friend, cheers

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Glad you enjoyed the video, Tom. You've obviously missed the video of the power station I've receive. My review is part of a travel vlog though rather than a dedicated video. But you are right, once you've seen one you've seen them all.

[@Tom-le2px]

@@HermanHitstheRoad 🤣Regardless of power station I really enjoy all the mechanical work you and Chas do on Herman, lots of tips and great banter, looking forward to the 5th gear resolve video if possible, thank you.

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Cheers Tom 👍👍

[@an04ker]

The way you installed those driveshaft seals you might as well have left old ones in 😜

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

LOL an04ker. I did kind of mess up the first one but it seems OK

[@peterneal7160]

The Trackrod inner joints being worn wouldn't really cause wandering, might be a bit more difficult to keep it straight? Never use grease on threads! Use a bit of Locktite on Trackrod threads, so they won't undo. Some have a Lock washer. Tip is count number of spare threads from Locnut inwards, put Locnut on at same as was so in theory Tracking won't be too far out, subject to the new part being the same as the new! I would have just replaced the leaking CV Gaiter much cheaper than a shaft! I just did that on a 2008 Peugeot 308, the Gaiter clip was loose and made a lot more mess! I didn't see the Hubnuts Peined over to lock them!

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Thanks for the tips, Peter

[@markwilkinson2673]

Very good vid , i had to replace my 5th and syncro due to oil starvation and possibly rainwater from the scuttle , "those in the know" put 3 litres (rather than 2.7L) of oil in , what do you and Chas think ?

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Well, Mark we put in 2.8 litres and then an extra 200ml but I think the damage was already done.

[@markwilkinson2673]

@@HermanHitstheRoad I think in 5th at low speeds over long motorway distances did mine , Good luck with the repair

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Thanks Mark 👍👍

[@chrissheppard6999]

Thanks for the video Ants / guys… great stuff once again. My R reg B544 had a very expensive gearbox rebuild a few years ago, before she came to me, because of of a failed fifth. I’ve had her a year now and the previous owner advised me that the gearbox is now over-filled, as per other comments, and that it’s best to ensure that the engine is warmed up before engaging fifth. I hope all goes well and that it doesn’t prove too expensive for you. Good luck!

[@mobilvettamotorhome2056]

Sorry 5th gear went. I’ve had my gearbox end cover off to check mine and it looked ok. Did they let you film the repair? If so, I’d love to see it in case I have to do mine. Thanks

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

No, I didn't film the repair

[@Simon_W74]

Yet another marvel of mechanical work being carried out on Herman. I do really like these kind of videos, the work and back and forth banter really make the video, it is just a pity about why these videos come about. It does show you what you can expect when you own an older Motorhome, the things that they do to try us and empty our bank accounts at the same time. Still it makes life with them a bit more interesting, and they do deserve the care and attention for what they bring us when they are all tickety boo.

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Too right, Digger Buckett but surely a newer motorhome will cost more than maintaining an old one? A new(ish) one would set you back £30k+. Glad you enjoyed the video 👍👍

[@Simon_W74]

@@HermanHitstheRoad Very True and you can't guarantee that it will be any more or less reliable. Which reminds me that I need to get the front brakes disc and pads changed, as I have them sat in there box behind me. Which I bought back in August to fit. Then I need to change the rear shocks and then the must dreaded thing treating the chassis, not looking forward to that job, as I really don't like being on my back for long as, it doesn't like me being on hard surfaces these days.

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Yeah, laying on the floor isn't fun but you can get mats to make it better. Chas's mat is about 3cm thick and then there is the pillow and slippers 🤣

[@Simon_W74]

@@HermanHitstheRoad With that lot the only noise coming from under the motorhome would be the sounds of not me working but snoring!😂

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

LOL 💤

[@phillipgoucher8519]

☹ your having a bit, No a lot of bad luck this year but don't give up you will soon be out again,

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Thanks Phillip. We hope to be out over Christmas 👍👍

[@PK_Blinder]

Spookily I lost my 5th gear yesterday.... Waiting for quotes tomorrow.. Did you manage to film yours as it could let me do it myself..

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

We've not had it done yet, PK

[@PK_Blinder]

@Herman Hits the Road OK, no worries. I've priced up the kit at £400 😳 so not looking forward to the final bill. Is Herman a 2.8jtd..?

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Yes, £400 for the gear and synchro and 150 labour

[@ttxela]

Good to see Gary getting in on the action, they say exactly the same about the 5th gear on the gearboxes on my van! 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Yeah Gary was a big help 👍

[@drexelspivey6472]

sorry for your 5th gear problems but great to see your keeping positive and hopefully the garage will let you film

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Hopefully, drexel and thanks 👍👍

[@denby87]

Videos on here showing 5th gear replacement

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

But not much detail, denby87

[@Devondogsclub]

Oh lads I found that fascinating. Your video just came up. I am a pensioner & would have loved to have learnt mechanics. I hear all of those part names being thrown around since I was 17 & it was brilliant to see you all work, such great rapport! Loved it! I have just bought a Transit van for days out with our pup

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Glad you enjoyed the video, artbymets. We hope you have some enjoyable time in your Transit with your doggy. Is the Transit a campervan and what's the name and breed of your puppy?

[@Devondogsclub]

@@HermanHitstheRoad Hi thanks for replying. No it's just an ordinary Transit that I have filled with things I would need for days out folding chairs, table, Ecoflow power station, large electric cooler box, camping stoves etc. I am going to put a sofa bed in. I was a clicker dog trainer before I got very sick bedridden on oxygen so I am much better we have got a German Sheperd puppy & I am teaching her to be our assistance dog & also hope she will be a therapy PAT dog. I am filming it all & putting it on a KZbin channel. Hoping we have great adventures in our day van 🥰❤️🤗😊💪

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

That's brilliant. We hope everything goes well for you 👍👍👍

[@ChrisBrown-jh2mo]

Not unusual for 5th to fail on that model of Ducato, mine failed at 35,000 miles, and it was on it's way out again at 75,000. The gearbox specialist who did the job told me it's just a poor design, overhung 5th gear with no outboard bearing, just a converted 4 speed.

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Yup, that'll be it, Chris. Thanks for commenting. I hope you enjoyed the video?

[@geoffcampbell7846]

Can't fault your efforts guys, many would give up and get a garage to deal with it, but you show that with someone who knows what to do and plenty of hot drinks and the right tools, many things are possible. And Herman is such a classic van, it's well worth the effort and the costs to do it yourselves if you can. Well done 👏

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Thanks Geoff. Hope you enjoyed the video 👍👍?

[@julianh7853]

It looks like you have air conditioning on this vehicle which is a rare option! If I am right, does it work?

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

We do and it does work, @julianh7853. How could you tell?

[@julianh7853]

@@HermanHitstheRoad That's great that it works. It will be good for Europe in the summer! I saw some pipework that looked like AC pipework at 13:20 and at 13:27 it entered through the firewall to the heater box, so I assumed I was right.

[@jamesfazackerley7757]

5th gear can be replaced by removing the end cover with the gearbox in place in approximately one hour

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Thanks James. I've read many articles on it so I know what needs to be done so we could do it but I think we'll just get a pro to do it

[@thenorseman2804]

Hi guys! I am a newbie, seriously a newbie when it comes to RV's but I have fallen in love. But I need help. Can I ask for help / advice here on your youtube channel?

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Of course you can, Norseman. Whether we'll be able to answer them is a different question 🤣🤣. And welcome to the channel and motorhoming

[@thenorseman2804]

@@HermanHitstheRoad Herman The Savor 😂 As an experienced sailor, I thought I had DC power under control! Hahaha how wrong can you be. As a first-time buyer, I bought an old charming lady from 1994 with low km. Fiat Ducato 1.9 td with one starter and one consumer battery. Then the DC current decides to become schizophrenic and gives variable voltage up to 16-17 v but low amps, it fluxes. It's not the alternator or the regulator. The car has a Nordelettronica as control unit. Could be a ground fault but where should I start looking? Today I thought the problem was localized, hahahaha what I achieved was that glowing relle also became schizophrenic. Do you guys have any ideas?

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

I haven't a clue, sorry Norseman. Does the motorhome start and do the batteries keep their charge? If the motorhome is a Hymer then the Classic Hymer Technical Facebook group is a great help. If it's not a Hymer then try searching for similar groups or forums. I'll also see if Chas has any ideas too.

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Hi Norseman, I've asked Chas. First check the grounds. Is this problem caused when you plug in to electric hook up? If it is then it is probably the charger. You should be able to put a meter on the charger but there is a serious danger of electrocution. So you should get someone qualified to look at it. I hope that helps

[@thenorseman2804]

@@HermanHitstheRoad Hi Herman! Thanks for the feedback. Sorry for the late response, but I was called out to work, even though everyone knows I don't have time for that, because of all my free time! Have checked the grounding. What is confusing is that the voltage fluxes whether the power cable is in or not. I'll probably have to take the expensive route to the ranks of the pros! Will be following your channel, learning a lot!

[@calvbutler5894]

Well done Chas , you've practically rebuilt Herman's chassis now. Hopefully that's the end of your van problems for a good time!

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

LOL thanks Calv. Fingers crossed 🤞

[@deb5710]

Wow! What a daunting task for you and Chas. So sorry that you have had problems with Herman. I'm amazed you were able to film this by the way! Have a happy Thanksgiving, gobble, gobble!😃

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Thank you so much, Deb. It's not daunting because we enjoy it - the company and the work. Why are you amazed we were able to film this? Is it because of the rain? The cameras are waterproof but it does mean the sound is terrible.

[@deb5710]

@@HermanHitstheRoad I guess I forgot there was three of you there. I have witnessed my Dad doing repair work solo on his construction backhoe, and I remember how exhausting it was usually something to do with the hydraulic system, sometimes doing welding repair work as well. I have a lot of respect for someone that has to the skill to repair a vehicle. Happy Trails.

[@aatamiparnanen4822]

Yuo must get halv liter oil in the gearbox for 5 gear dount press the fift gear only on motorway

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Thanks for the tips, Aatami Pärnänen

[@markwicks9095]

I've got one of these vans...they look pretty unreliable judging by your vlogs? Might just get shot of mine

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

It's a 25 year old van, Mark. There's going to be issues with it.

[@SlimTortoise]

Excellent stuff guys, Sort of makes me happy to have a Merc 316 CDI 🙂, I know swings and roundabouts Some positives and negatives to what ever we have I guess., Great that Herman has the best of care.

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Thanks Bake Bean 👍👍 Herman is 25 years old though

[@neiljarvis8911]

You guys are certainly getting in to it in qa big way, but imagine how much money you are saving over a new (secondhand of course) motorhome or even imagine how much Herman is worth when fixed again. You do seem to have had a lot of stuff that needed doing recently, what sort of milage has he done (so we all know when to expect to have to get our hands dirty and give Chas a call)?🤣

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Haha, thanks Neil. Definitely cheaper than buying another motorhome

[@cptobvious8428]

A complete video of whining. What’s the point?

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

We're glad you enjoyed the video, Cpt Obvious. Merry Christmas 🎅