"Simple" Axle Flange Leak Escalates Quickly - Vintage Mack Truck - Part 1

This 1977 Mack R Model has a few issues including a leaking axle flange gasket. That should be an easy fix - or not!
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[@tonysheerness2427]

Maintaining old trucks is like painting a bridge as soon as you finish you have to start all over again.

[@Alex-B2357]

So true

[@JonathanPhillips411]

Exactly, never think "Well I took care of that.", because a year or two down the road you may end up doing it again.

[@eliotheasman5378]

That's about right

[@Seveneleven44]

Buddy…if I had a dollar for every old truck that came in for one brake chamber and set of shoes that ended up being a wheel seal & bearings as well…usually when old stuff came in, I joked and always said “here I’ll tell you what still works…”

[@bataviawillem1]

When those trucks where new it was the same, everything then needed more maintenance, like sparkplugs, now they last 100.000 miles.

[@jaywilliams1525]

“Universal seal driver. Darned things grow on trees.” 😂😂😂

[@TXH1138]

should those be soaked in oil before use?

[@oldgadget1]

and they're recycleable

[@markhenry5294]

@@TXH1138 Keeps the termites at bay!

[@endall6783]

The universal tool didn't seat it all the way so he had to use the correct tool. I think he hind the brand name was it a true OAK brand cause those last a lot longer if used right.

[@hodwooker5584]

A truly universal tool indeed! It drives seals, removes seals, holds up heavy loads,stops stuff from rolling away,makes jacks taller and if it gets cold in the shop it will provide heat! Thats when the oil soak comes in handy.

[@garethjudd5840]

"I've got a single stack Mack, with a window in the back" Great line for a song. 😀

[@18robsmith]

Don't you know it Wes is a poet

[@WatchWesWork]

See the song "convoy".

[@davidcolesr.8628]

@@WatchWesWork watched That Movie Many Times in the VHS Days Of Long Ago & Thoroughly Enjoy That Song

[@anthonydefreitas6006]

@@WatchWesWork 10 4 Rubber Duck Keep an eye out for the Bear in the air 😉

[@Pamudder]

@@crisprtalk6963 I thought I was the only one who remembers Steve Earle. Another fine talent f$**(&% up by drugs. :-(. I think my favorite is "The Devil's Right Hand."

[@kman-mi7su]

The owner of that old dog must still love it, it's kept in great shape. A lot of newer trucks regardless of the brand, aren't kept as clean as that one.

[@matthewwebb5444]

P

[@georgedavidson7986]

The older ones don’t have all the. DEF and the problems that go with it

[@mohabatkhanmalak1161]

I think he only uses it for the corn harvest in summer. It was there in last harvest. That would be his farm truck only.

[@misfiresandflattires6874]

Old trucks and cars are built to last. All the new stuff is one time use.

[@thesteelrodent1796]

trucks last a lot longer when they're only used for 6 weeks in the summer

[@ethanjennings9549]

Wes, just some feedback, I hardly ever notice the truck traffic noise. Also, I love your videos. Thanks for you hard work putting them together. I never fail to learn something.

[@DoRC]

Agreed. The only time I notice the traffic noise is when you point it out :-). I think we all understand that you're not in the studio

[@WatchWesWork]

It's mostly distracting to me while filming. I filter it out during editing.

[@DoRC]

@@WatchWesWork ah

[@ethanjennings9549]

@@WatchWesWork Thanks for going the extra mile in the editing process for us.

[@Chr.U.Cas2216]

@@WatchWesWork 👍👌👏

[@tonyarguello192]

Did anybody notice how Wes handled that tire during install? Man handled that thing like it was nothing! Even made rocks fly off the tread 🤣

[@liamflood1750]

Guy wrenched on that tire like it was a toy

[@billybobs841]

Professional

[@jasonanderson4915]

I too, noticed his tire handling as a tire tech myself.

[@goose300183]

yeah it was great! Lorry tyres are hard work at the best of times

[@seastacker8582]

“Bermuda triangle of repairs” 😂. Pure WWW gold. Can’t remember the song that single stack Mack line is from but I know I’ve heard it. Also glad to see this truck again. It’s a beautiful rig in beautiful shape. That farmer takes good care.

[@WatchWesWork]

Convoy.

[@seastacker8582]

@@WatchWesWork That’s it. Thanks rubber duck. 😎

[@craighearn747]

That my friends is an axle. This thing is beefy.

[@ThacMan]

Pick & Howl

[@garys9694]

@@craighearn747 Ahem, yes weeezard!

[@charlie418791]

Didn't think that nail was ever gonna end. Award winning inside tire camera work. Top-notch. 👍👍

[@brianwalk108]

I don't even think about how tricky and how well done shots like that or until someone like you mentions it. Thank you for giving credit to these things that go unseen

[@jdmccorful]

Looked like a 16 p nail to me.

[@milotorres6894]

Your absolutely correct , head was buried in deep in there.. 🤔👍✌️🙏

[@NenadKralj]

27:52 All I'm waiting is to see one day that helicopter (at the end) to turn up at Wes shop for repair and maintenance 😎

[@brianharris20]

When the block of wood came out I thought I had been switched to the Pakistani Truck channel. :)

[@akfarmboy49]

If Wes goes bare foot then you will know where Wes gets his info

[@FaustoTheBoozehound]

Those guys are amazing. As resourceful as anyone I've seen.

[@jeffcarruthers2605]

After 30 plus years on the bench myself, I can certainly relate to your daily struggles. I live in the province of Alberta up north and we don't have any rust issues like the eastern provinces or states. As far as patience, you're right up there with Job. Love your videos and sense of humor. Thanks for taking the time and effort to make them. And may you make retirement and enjoy it as much as I do.

[@peterlevy7679]

You do a super professional job, seems to be nothing you wont tackle

[@6582rg]

I don’t know how you can get out of bed every morning. That’s some back breaking work. Great video.

[@elonmust7470]

lol, yeah sitting in a dry insulated shop is so horrible! We used to do this kind of work in the rain on the side of a mountain, when it was too wet to go logging.

[@WatchWesWork]

There's plenty of guys out there busting these tires all day every day. I wouldn't recommend picking a fight with one...

[@jvcmcgowen]

if only people would fix it right to begin with, what a concept

[@WatchWesWork]

Sometimes you don't get a choice. Customer wants it right now and your temporary hack job ends up running for years.

[@dfross87]

@@WatchWesWork There's nothing as permanent as a temporary fix.

[@avasonsyn]

Bermuda Triangle and the universal tools had me rolling. This makes me not miss working on Army trucks.

[@lawrencepevitts2434]

I knew a mechanic who used to save all the objects he removed from tires. It was amazing what tires pick up.

[@donniebrown2896]

There's an old guy where I buy my tires who saves everything he finds. The most common was 8D nails. Now it's roofing nails and sheetrock screws. The weirdest?? A 3/8 x 3" carriage bolt.

[@woodhonky3890]

I once had an entire welding rod enter the rear tire of a motorcycle I was riding. When I took the tire off to fix it, I found it had hit the rim and curled up like a watch spring!

[@SteveDallas12]

Don’t worry about the truck noise, it doesn’t bother me. But what I really appreciate most is your running commentary… Sometimes hilarious, always informative, always interesting.

[@danfarris135]

Another fine lesson on why IMPACTS should Not be used to install any fastener. That hub was destroyed by a previous Impact Jockey.

[@TheDistur]

But but more ugga duggas more better

[@Westcoastgs]

Truck driver for 30 years but no mechanic at all, I did notice tyre was low when you broke it down, love your channel, we would all be blessed to have an excellent honest guy like you on call, ty Sir

[@tjh44961]

Years ago, I had a brief acquaintance with a crop duster. When I met him, he was on an FAA license suspension for getting his AgCat hung up on some lines a the edge of a field. Every time I see a crop duster since then, I always think of him. I like that old Mack. Thanks for the videos.

[@ronaldheit196]

A good Bulldog means a million miles Big Rig. It's amazing how Wes puts up with so much SNAFU stuff others have done that makes his job harder. He even fixes others FUBAR crap.

[@jdmccorful]

And jokes about it.

[@danfarris135]

I like to think of it as job security. Notice that Wes gets a lot of these jobs. A happy customer is a repeat customer. Too bad the the other guys don’t have to fix their own mistakes though. When you do good work, you don’t even have to advertise.

[@DanEBoyd]

The worst part about working on an old vehicle is all of the dumbasses who worked on it before you.

[@ezrhino1803]

You don't find mechanics of your integrity too often anymore at least in the bigger cities. Recognizing the problem with the bud nut and then knowing that it might work but having the patience to wait on the repair due to part availability and not just installing and hoping it will last is just awesome. I bet your customers appreciate you and your work ethic. Note to all viewers who are not in the trades and rely on folks like Wes for repairs, when you find a "Wes" ,treat them right. Buy them a lunch or a gift card for a good restaurant with their spouse. It pays benefits down the road to treat folks nice who work this good and this crosses all work areas: plumbers, electricians, mechanics, etc.

[@billywird]

One thing about it. When people bring you work, if you are showing that you are willing to go the extra mile to properly repair something and you communicate with your customers and allow them to make reasonable choices, you are going to get a lot of repeat business. That being said if you make sure you follow through on proper repairs it will pass on to the next guy, and that next guy is most likely will be you.

[@KeepingitAnalog]

The only thing wrong with that truck is they stopped building them. Love your channel bud. It's refreshing to see that someone else has the same luck as I do.

[@bchdsailor]

Your comments are among the top 3 on You Tube, makes watching your videos a pleasure

[@sabrekat7904]

"Axle flamge leaking so just needs a new gasket".OK you got me with that one, what could possibly go wrong? . . . well seems like everything ! great content once again .Thanks

[@Richard.Sanchez]

28:05 Wes should worry because he's a fun guy.

[@zx8401ztv]

Oh no, old joke time lol :-D

[@Nderak]

RIP Fun Gus taken from us too soon

[@tombeauchamp806]

I love how you casually present your special tools every time. Like your in rim axle seal catch pan

[@TgWags69]

A rare earth magnet in the bottom would be a good addition to keep it in place

[@tombeauchamp806]

@@cav444 I'm more saying that in every video he's got a new speciality tool that he casually brings out. I thoroughly enjoy it lol

[@Monkeh616]

@@TgWags69 It's a shame those rims are aluminium!

[@TgWags69]

@@Monkeh616 the studs and flange are iron. Plenty of places to pull from.

[@davidmarr7570]

pleasure watching the man work. If u watch him work even his boots join in. Every time he looked on the home run another annoying problem.A lot of what was wrong seemed to have been caused by shortcuts affected prior to this work....a very thorough tradesman.

[@ianwiese1]

Wow mack gives you free Slinkys with every axle flange change!

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

I'm pining for one of those universal seal drivers :)

[@WatchWesWork]

Nice!

[@davidforbes6250]

THINK MACK! ! ! GOOD TO SEE A GOLD DOGGY ANYDAY! !

[@ericcorse]

I am impressed you scare that tire off the bead, that is some nice looking rubber.

[@WatchWesWork]

I think she's been running flat for a long time...

[@jeffhitchcock3368]

Classy ole’ gal. I’m a 77 too. Truck traffic in the grain belt makes the world go round Wes. We appreciate the authenticity.

[@docpalazola491]

Gave you a thumbs up even before I saw the video. You're the best, Wes.

[@feelingold2995]

Always something interesting going on Wes.. I have to tear into my 1 ton Gm floating rear today.. Inner seal took a vacation...

[@WatchWesWork]

Those are fun!

[@ranga2050]

That puncture repair gave me flashbacks. Been 14 years since I worked in a tyre shop... I suddenly remember how to do a puncture repair.

[@rickt4552]

Nice to see work on a Day Cab Puppy Dog....enjoyed it very much . ...

[@EyeintheSky999]

Back in the day whenever I did a flat repair always went back over it with glue to keep the edges from curling up and causing a failure. Never had a flat repair come back. The liner stuff looks to be a big step up for protecting the edge of the path.

[@Gordonseries385]

First time I ever seen that air blow tank used. Cool!

[@Military-Museum-LP]

One thing, among the many I like about you is your want to do things right when repairing. Your customers are lucky to work with you.

[@gregbutler9873]

Nic Nac paddy wack give Wes a Spotted Cow….😂👍🏻

[@robertbiggs4934]

Your customers sure are fortunate to have a professional like you in the area. Someone who has great skills, who is thorough, and trustworthy. Great work as always! Thanks for sharing!

[@gaffe75]

Nice Work... And greetings from Denmark.

[@wheelieking71]

You brought back a whole bunch of old memories for me with that tire repair Wes! I was doing that stuff at my Dad's service-station when I was 14 years old. Still have the scars on my hands from a steer tire on an F700 Ford bouncing and smashing my hand between it and the hub, LOL. We used to use vulcanizing patches that came on a little tin full of sulfer (I guess?) that you would clamp inside the tire, then light the sulfer on fire. It would burn off like a match and vulcanize the patch. I don't do big tire changes too much any more. But sure glad I know how. Last ones I did were on my little backhoe. Only local guy willing to change those tires for me wanted $125/tire! I did it myself with dirt-bike tire irons and sweat. Used the hoe to break the beads on its own tires! LOLOL

[@WatchWesWork]

I remember those patches and plugs you lit on fire. They still used those a bit when I was a kid. Of course every tire guys smoked back then...

[@wheelieking71]

@@WatchWesWork yea, my Dad had a bad scare before those days that encouraged him to quit smoking (good on him!). I was a smart kid, and never even tried it! (good on me). Mom on the other hand still smokes like a chimney to this day. Feel sorry for Dad sometimes.

[@gutsngorrrr]

I love this old style Mac, just something about them and it looks like the owner looks after this one, even though it's just a grain truck.

[@smallblockfuelie]

Harbor Freight is now offering extended warranty on those magnetic base lights you like so much.

[@paulsilva3346]

Only $9.99.? lol...

[@smallblockfuelie]

@@paulsilva3346 if I remember correctly, $12 for 2 years.

[@johnmillard5296]

Wes you have done it again my life is just one flashback after another your use of feet off and then on with the truck's tire was how my older brother does it, he started with bicycles and then motorbikes and cars to finish his trucking career changing out tires,keep it up I am sure never to forget my life another great thank you and your lovely assistant.

[@billywird]

Yes sir those tubeless tire setups on a big truck wheel and rim are just as easy as a bicycle tire if you know what you are doing. Proper bead lubrication helps and also allows for easier removal and proper installation of the tire on the rim. When I was a kid it was nothing to pop a bicycle tire off the rim using two screwdrivers and either patching or replacing the tube.

[@akfarmboy49]

I have worked on Mack dump truck a bunch. You brought back some repairs I had forgot about. Thank you good video

[@rb3425]

Wow... I have NEVER had a semi-tire bead break just by standing on it. Lucky! You should consider investing in a tire dolly if you do a lot of tire repairs. Save that back!

[@stxrynn]

Ditto!

[@RepairsforOats]

A lot of the upper end semi tires bead break by standing on them. Michelin, BF Goodrich, and Toyo all seem very good

[@rb3425]

@@RepairsforOats To be fair, I have been retired for ten+ years. Most of what I dealt with was far from the upper end. 😖

[@RepairsforOats]

@@rb3425 I hear you

[@Daktyl198]

He has a full tire setup (including a balancing machine) but I think the tire was just too big for it.

[@michaelashcraft8569]

I've not driven Trucks for so long (retired), that I forgot how labor intense it is to break down the wheel to fix or change truck tires! Drove a '77' R Model Mack when it was new runnin' Coal here in Kentucky...

[@lewiemcneely9143]

Drove a few that came from up there. Hauling Carolina rock and dirt.

[@billywird]

Yes sir it is a health spa endeavor to work on those big truck tire and wheel combination.

[@BeenThrDunThat]

Another great video from the bermuda triangle.

[@johan790]

Nice to see you in frame a bit more!

[@watajob]

I'm impressed. Your universal seal installer has the optional waterproofing.

[@ladeseddy5994]

Wes - When you were generously applying Fluid Film to the wheel hub flange, my mind instantly had a sheep bleating. Cant figure out why.............

[@IBWatchinUrVids]

Tire wrastlin' should be an Olympic sport.

[@lesmiller1739]

Enjoyed driving those short hood trucks. First one was a 68 I believe with reverse on the main box, later one was a 78 with reverse on the aux. one could hit all five in reverse which was fun. First had a brass plaque that read “ built especially for Ellsworth Motor Freight Line, Ellsworth Kansas.” 44K Camelback susp. and air assist steering. Those old truckers were a breed all to themselves for sure.

[@sudd2685]

Single stack Mack with a Window in the back, I thought you were going to rap a little, thank you for your videos really enjoy watching.

[@davidcolesr.8628]

Right On Time Wes,

[@brianwalk108]

looking forward to part 2

[@rudolfbenner4802]

Ears & Eyes, well done.

[@rickbaker4571]

WWW going full country & western on us!! I expect Brad Paisley to release Single Stack Mack with a Window in the Back as a new hot track.

[@rrmech11]

Good morning Wes Love your videos. 👍👍

[@envisionCamusa]

O/O for 32 years and I never knew the sides of the catch pan were for nuts and bolts. Thanks for that. Who else didn't know that?

[@davidcasper8923]

Brought back memories of tire work I did for Consolidated Freightways many years ago. Started out with Bias ply tires and we use a similar patch plug. Then everything got "new and improved" with radials, so a whole different program. Great job, happy I was watching and not doing.

[@jodydoakes8754]

Finding and digging a nail out of a tire is a very satisfying event!

[@chrisw73]

i was always amazed when i watched the mechanic rim tires at the ice company i worked at years ago, he made it look so easy! I could get em done, but not nearly as graceful since i was only a buck fifty soaking wet. I still rim all my small tires to this day from the lessons i learned back then. Great video Wes!!

[@lanlantheman]

24:38 like he done creeped up on it! Like that rim didn’t have a clue what he was about to do! He jumped on it “Gatcha!” 😂

[@Open-Sport]

I was taught to always replace any lockwashers with new ones. I was working at a military contractor and they showed me charts where by the fifth time a lockwasher was re-used, it was worthless. This was probably for smaller lockwashers, the big ones on that hub might be fine, but lockwashers are so cheap, it just seems like good insurance, plus new ones look nicer. Great video, like always.

[@WatchWesWork]

The general feeling seems to be that lock washers don't really work at all, even when new.

[@thebaldmechanichardatheari1124]

That lock nut was tight!!!!!!!!!

[@poolmotorrepairguyFL]

The Florida pool pump motor bearing repair guy When Service Calls Longwood approved ! that was good info Wes

[@Aaron-be2pt]

"Bermuda Triangle of Repair" Buddy, we must work in the same shop.

[@tamberp]

Didn't even have to hit that tyre to break the bead! Musta just scared it enough with the threat of the hammer!

[@Darfur64]

Wes, as a fungi myself, them helicopters spraying that stuff is gonna kill me 🤣🤣 great video Wes, wish you were out my way, buying an '88 topkick dump with the 3208 kitty in it. It's got either a bad pencil injector or the timing is off. Blows a little white smoke in the cold. Smells like unburnt diesel. At least she isn't making more oil in her pan.

[@8HumblePie]

Tell ‘em Large Marge Sent Ya!🤯

[@jimgallagher2979]

The air chisel is man's best friend.

[@ReaperYouGames]

Next time instead of using the air hammer try a cheater bar and a jack stand,you will be amazed how easy that nut comes off.Love the videos,keep them coming.

[@billywird]

Yes sir I have done that and when I did not have an air hammer I have changed out tires and wheels using that method. To say it is a workout is an understatement. I finally bought me a one inch drive impact wrench and used a six inch extension to break lug nuts loose. Thought I had died and gone to heaven.

[@jimcady9037]

Wes nice looking mack.The owner does a good job keeping looking good. I learned on an old mack with a 5 speed tranny and a 4 speed auxiliary transmission. Those were good times. Be tough to do it now that I am older

[@robgm6926]

Drove an old B model Mack with that transmission. The two gear boxes were bolted together. Mack called it a quadraplex transmission. The 5 and 3 a triplex.

[@purplerunner1715]

Love the truck. Nailed it on the tire job 😆

[@79tazman]

I use to work at a tire place when I was in high school and even after HS and I had to change truck tires on the side of the freeway and that sometime in the pouring rain an in winter it was a fun job I was the emergency tire guy so I got to take the company tire truck home with me all the time. Changing big truck tires on the side of the road is lot's of fun you gotta try it sometime LOL!

[@WatchWesWork]

Yeah it's hard work no matter how you do it, especially the big single steer tires.

[@williamfindspeople4341]

And this is the journey of life. Watching you remove that tire brought back memories.

[@Gunnr1236]

Good on you for not tackling that tire until the next day. A tired body & mind make for easy accidents & injuries. Plus, it was easily time for family!! As usual, great content!

[@DanEBoyd]

Plus the tire would've fought a lot harder had he done it that night. It only came off the wheel so easily, because he waited till morning when he was fully rested.

[@rockcrusher4636]

The Bermuda Triangle of repairs, I love it, just like the shop looks like a shipwrecking yard in Bangladesh. Thanks dude.

[@danap.235]

Wes is like a SCUBA DIVER "going to have to go a little bit deeper".

[@spelunkerd]

I'm pretty sure I'll never have the opportunity to work on a vehicle this big. Even so, this video was the most educational and entertaining part of my morning.

[@billv1410]

The good thing about truck and equipment tire guys is they save that gym membership fee. Great video, as always

[@bradbusch9585]

Wes I appreciate your humor so much I can’t remember laughing at videos in a long time great video

[@CaptainK007]

Come on Wes Part 2 chop chop lol. I was looking for part two until my Homer Doh! Moment. Hmm only posted 6 hours ago…. There’s your problem lady 😂

[@stevanrose7439]

I spent many a night wrenching on my 1977 Mack dump truck so it and I could work the next day. And I had a Freightliner dump and a Freightliner road tractor. These three kept me busy. But I still enjoyed watching Wes patch plug that tire. I wouldn’t trade those days for anything.

[@marksd5650]

Looks like it’s in beautiful condition for a ‘77. I love the Bermuda Triangle comment. All you need to do is repeat Eric O’s phrase: “common baby.” I’ve never picked up a wrench in 66 years, but I love learning from you, just in case I were to pick up a wrench in the years I have left 🤣. Best Regards sir. Edit: BTW, I usually buy the tools you show, even though I’d never consider working on my own cars and motorcycle. I have a tool problem, I have admitted the problem, which is the first step…oh wait, I just like tools. Best!

[@elonmust7470]

those were the loosest lug nuts I've ever seen on a truck. I always have to get out my 7' breaker bar for road tractors.

[@Renville80]

"It'll save me getting yelled at" - this is why we like to watch you work... showing us how it's done and why, and your way with words...!

[@Miloshe71]

Glad to see you wear ear protection. A lot of channels skip that.

[@kevinknight470]

Engineering meets practical laws of mechanized physics. Excellent demonstrative videos. I am not a truck specialist, but I salute you sir, well done!

[@rolandgsl]

Standing on the sidewall to keep the bead in the drop center is a good trick. The tires I deal with are usually much smaller, but still.

[@ralfie8801]

The best part is because the wheel diameter is so much larger, the tires slide over the wheel a whole lot easier than tires for cars and light trucks do.

[@MrSmoore77]

@@ralfie8801 yep smaller the tyre harder it is , Id rather do a truck than a wheelbarrow

[@ralfie8801]

monkeyboyclyde Some of that has to do with how heavy the tire is also, a 2 ply 8" wheel barrow tire is a whole lot easier to change than a 6 ply tire for the same size wheel.

[@kenneychappuis1853]

That truck is well loved with good reasons

[@gillgetter3004]

Wes’s Bermuda Triangle of repairs ! I think that extends to my house in south Michigan

[@matttradie1341]

Oh thank god. I was almost going to talk to the wife…

[@WatchWesWork]

LMAO!

[@ronaldheit196]

Why torture yourself on this fine Saturday morning. As they say, " leave old dogs lying asleep" I'm off to the Big Boy Toy Store known commercially as Home Depot. Mine is still sleeping so out the door quietly I go.

[@robertquast9684]

When you started taking the wheels off I was waiting for the 1 left hand budd on the right side. Surprising how well the drum came off the hub. Last one I did I mangled the hub getting the drum off

[@gwarfle]

For large tires, we use a short handled shovel under the tire as a lever. Much better control up and down and rotational!

[@tossedsalad5532]

Every good mechanic understand how to lube the shaft with one hand

[@WatchWesWork]

And the left hand at that!