Why not use loctite? CV Axles are packed full of grease by design in order to keep the entire knuckle and bearings lubricated. By nature the grease packs out through the entire CV joint including the bolts and the holes they are threaded into. Using loctite in this application would be a waste of loctite as it will not adhere to any surface that contains grease.

@syndromodowns707

2 жыл бұрын

Heavy truck mechanic here. You can still use blue loctite. You'll need to clean the threaded holes and the bolts off to be free of grease/oil. Apply loctite and install the bolts, loctite will be set in an hour and you won't have to worry about it again.

@carlmic7

2 жыл бұрын

@@syndromodowns707 There are oil resistant loctites as well, I wouold use a red variant, always removable with heat if needed.

@syndromodowns707

2 жыл бұрын

Putting lockwashers on all the fasteners *MAY* be just enough. But trial and error will teach you well. As a heavy truck mechanic that works on a similar product from Mercedes, they make good stuff. Don't lose faith in it.

@syndromodowns707

2 жыл бұрын

@@carlmic7my guy red is not good for a DIY, also I ONLY use blue in this industry. We all only ever use blue.

@LivingTheVanLife

2 жыл бұрын

@@syndromodowns707 as having many years experience as a mechanic myself, if I’m not mistaken, I’m guessing the way to clean that area would be dowsing the holes with heavy amounts of parts cleaner. Which in my opinion would be detrimental to the rest of the grease that is responsible for keeping the joint lubricated. The last thing I’d want is parts cleaner penetrating the the grease inside the cv boot and degrading it’s lubricating properties.

I’d prefer more of these kind of videos. It’s a unique lifestyle and I’d like to see more behind the scenes so we can see what all goes into it

@ZeeDoblekae

2 жыл бұрын

Aye, my name's Zeke

doing maintenance next to a parts store is such an underrated piece of advice

Although tightening CV axle bolts isn't usually a maintenance check, all of what you found can be attributed to the extreme duty that you are putting the van through. While I was in the US Army as a mechanic, we had checks that were additional when we either had a vehicle at max payload for an extended period of time, or driving off road, even if the vehicle was made for carrying heavy stuff off road. I would be under that thing every time you went into town to check for things like you found. I would also keep a very close eye on all of the soft mounting points on the powertrain and drivetrain, i.e. bushings. With all of the high load and articulation the van is subjected to, those are bound to have a much shorter lifespan than normal. Keep up the good work. My wife and I have been watching your stuff together for a long time.

This is the inherent problem with the Sprinter 4WD system. Not being able to send power 50% front and 50% to the back differential. You have to drive the Sprinter much harder to get up obstacles. You're using momentum to overcome the lack power distribution. You keep driving like that and you will blow up your front differential or snap a CV axle. You should be crawling up sections like, not bouncing through it. I cringed when I saw all the weight coming down on your front tire while it was spinning....ouch! I'm impressed the front end held together, that's pretty remarkable. I believe the new 2022 Sprinters 4WD system is a 50/50 split front to back differentials. In any case take a paint pen and make straight line through the bolt, the cam and the strut. That way you'll know if anything has moved. If it has, you can re-adjust it on the trail until you can get a proper alinement. Keep up the great content!

Hi Chad, this video is a good reality check for anyone who plans on living on the road, bad things happen. Your resourcefulness and ability to wrench on your rig saved the day.

No need to apologise for the different type of video. This was excellent diagnostics and fault-finding - fine, relevant content. Keep on trucking, sir.

Outstanding! Sorry you had to deal with those issues but THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for documenting the issues and resolution so effectively! I’ll be crawling under my van in the morning.

Slow it down and drive it like a rock crawler and not so much like a rock bouncer. You also run the risk of tipping when you throw that top heavy van side to side so quickly and violently.

Thank you so much for the video. Have the same Van. Don’t drive it as hard but will definitely check all those bolts now. Bless guys like you for taking the time to teach the rest of us what you have learned.

Great to see on-the-road maintenance and repairs -- truly integral to LTVL! Personally, with my Vanagon's 251K original engine approaching EOL, seeing how you troubleshoot and resolve mechanical issues is a great learning experience. Your Vanagon experience edges me toward choosing a Subaru transplant. Your cinematic videos are truly a labor of love. Maintenance videos show a love or labor -- and craft, skill, and thoughtfulness. Thank you for sharing. Happy Holidays!

That Sprinter still does things I didn't know Sprinter vans could do, gnarly.

As a fellow sprinter owner this video was 10/10. Love the different type of content, thank you!

Awesome video, Chad! I just set a bunch of reminders on my phone for every few months to check those bolts. As always, really useful info and great footage. Thanks for taking the time to create such excellent videos!! Every one of them is top notch!

Great video, Chad. This is a good reminder that no matter the mileage of the vehicle, it's important to get under it often and listen to your van.

This reminds me of driveshafts in my Supervee racing car. We drill across the heads of the bolts and use stainless steel lock wire between pairs of bolts to prevent them backing out. Simple fix and well proven.

@jadesluv

Жыл бұрын

Just like safety wiring airplane bolts to prevent screws from vibrating loose! In fact look up AN bolts.

Chad, great videos and just super photography. I am an old overland driver from the 80s and 90's in different vehicles. Your videos of you driving over those roads, your speed is more than a little high for the vehicle. Sure with the ABS/substitute diff lock system you have to keep your foot in it, but your ground speed is high especially in the off camber alternate rock and roll stuff. That said..you have a US built MB van. I have a 2018 van, German built...so I would put the load on the MB US factory and I will throw them under the van. The QC on US built MB vans is suspect. Did they use thread locker? Missing bolt..I suspect not. If all 16 bolts on the axles are loose...no one checked the torque. This is a QC issue with potentially disastrous results. That said, if you are going to push the limits as you say often, you need to be under your van more often. We used to do it nightly, in the Sahara, Zaire and east Africa, running ex military trucks...the more you stress it the more you have to look and fix. If you slow down a bit, the more the vehicle does the work and the more "chair round the fire time" you have, and not the lying on the pavement wondering about clunks and knocks. Trust me I have spent too many nights fixing stuff under trucks in the middle of nowhere with nothing. Duct tape wasn't even invented! There are no Autoparts stores In the Sahara. You were lucky. Drive like your life depends on it, literally.

@anzzgar

Жыл бұрын

yeah thats what i thought as well, really nice he made that videos, but he is wayyyy too fast with that vehicle, especially with a high load van like this. Not much people like to hear this, but once in a while its important to listen to expirienced Overland-drivers. Either when you meet them when you are out, or you visit a Offroad driving lesson with your Van, they will give you special tipps to your vehicle. But keep up the good work!

I prefer the old VW van! Was one the best thing in your videos. How you can solve the small space problem and afford great adventures.

These videos are awesome! Thanks for making these in depth 4x4 Sprinter videos as no one else is!

@mitchellcamps7595

Жыл бұрын

Coming back to this comment, I now own my own 4x4 2022 144" and will be making sure mine does not do this!

love your vids so much Chad just wish they where posted more often!, all the best for the new year and have a great Christmas!

Hugh video!!! Don't hesitate posting similar videos in the future! Invaluable info. Thanks Chad!!!

The content u make is so incredibly refreshing! I love how you mix more traditional vanlife content, like exploring and quite mornings in the desert with informative videos like this. It's so great to have just watched the video of you off roading in the desert and then watching you examine and problem solve the issues that came from that adventure. Then you explain exactly how you fix it and what tools you use! What a beautiful blend of videos! I love what u are doing on the channel and I will definitely be hitting the notification bell :)

@LivingTheVanLife

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for coming along, Zeke! Glad you like them-

Thx Chad! Very nice insights and nice to get a bit of a different content from you too. Stay safe! Cheers!

Awesome bro ,thanks for all the great info and video content. Your videos are very inspiring 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

Love to see these detailed “behind the scenes” Chad in amongst the adventures

Don’t apologize. It was one of your best and I have watched them all.

Awesome use of a GoPro to diagnose your van’s issues while test driving. Love it. I like that you didn’t run to a shop or dealership for help and worked on problem solving yourself.

Hey Chad, big shout out from a full time van lifer in the UK 🇬🇧 ✌️ Always feeling more inspired after watching your videos. Keep on Truckin brother.

Great video brother, lots of solid information on things to look out for. I’ve shared with some other sprinter 4x4 buddies as well 🤙🏻🤙🏻

I actually loved this video. It’s real about what goes on.

Chad love you man! I hope your son is well and thanks for giving us this beautiful content

This just happened to me. Been waiting for a tow for 12 hours. Someone on FB group shared this video. Thank you so much!

Great vid! Important for us also to have a peek behind the scenes. I am grateful to you not only saying "This vehicle is perfect, I made it even better than perfect, has no wear or damage'" - keep on going, best wishes from Poland.

This is a very important video you just share with us I like the way you expose the good things of the van and also the issues, thanks for this excelente educational content I hope you continue doing this repair videos

I am SO GLAD to have your video with GOPRO to show your Mercedes’ front end problems, SO GLAD to have this self-help by you! I learned A LOT and have saved the video for future reference! Good call on Mercedes! With only 15,000 miles on it should NOT have the problems that you experienced. After all, the van was fitted for just this kind of service, you’re 4X4 for goodness sake and outfitted in the proper way! I think Mercedes’ will benefit from the video and produce a better van in the future. Good on you in Living The Van Life!

man you're awesome, you don't just drive, you listen to the sound of your car. you are taking care of him. this is really cool dude. 👍👍👍

I’m glad you were able to service the issues effectively to keep you on the road. It takes talent for sure.

Very interesting tech video and good idea having the cam watching for the problem - and also some very good tips for roadside repairs and tools / stuff here in the comments, really helpful content and clearly worth the time. Thank you and have a great Christmas time.

Thank you Chad! Another good video. I’ll be checking my bolts this weekend.

thanks for taking the chance on a different type of video! enjoyed this one. keep it up my friend :)

Merry Christmas and God’s blessings Chad. Keep the videos coming. You always go to amazing beautiful places. 🙏🌊🎄🎅

Great info! Will become part of my routine maintenance routine with my van after an adventure.

Awesome and helpful video. Thanks, Chad!

Great video! Love the thoroughness

Love this video. To get the practical, day to day issues dealt with is great. Life on the road is not all sweeping vistas and beautiful sunsets. Sometimes, shitty engineering lets you down, and needs fixing!! Good job Chad!!!

Can't believe the factory didn't install any blue loctite. Would be my first mod. Also, if these issues persist maybe a torque wrench needs to find it's way into the van's loadout.

@stevenhearnden66

2 жыл бұрын

I can, Mercedes make some shoddy products these days.

@nalong55

2 жыл бұрын

they also werent designed to do what he is doing with the vehicle, these are designed to hold gear and haul to and from jobsites, homes etc... not go into the mojave and flex like he is showing, so of course it would break!

@nalong55

Жыл бұрын

@patluxor2482 you are confusing 4x4 with off roading. Saying 4x4 just means that all 4 wheels spin…

@dennypowers5501

9 ай бұрын

Time to create a Mojave Mercedes.

This video is pure gold

That was an awesome angle underneath the Van, you could see all the flexing of the suspension and the engine. Would love to see that angle again when it is really stressed and really working on the trails!

Love this kind of video. Keep them coming

This is good content. It’s not all fun and games always so it’s good you are keeping it real 👍

Part of RV life is dealing with the unexpected. Glad you were able to at least get to town for your repairs. Not surprising they gave you the bolt - perhaps they recognized you. As the commercials say, you meet the nicest people when your RV. Stay safe

Hi chad since you do a lot of hard off roading which the vehicle is not really expected to handle you will have to keep an eye on a lot of bolts and screws. Many others off roaders have the same issues. I love the gopro under the van that was a good idea.

Well speaking for myself, I enjoyed the variety of your videos it can be on several different topics. Because you make it interesting.

Bad ass stuff Chad!!!! Life has me so close to getting a rig and dipping on ordinary life.

Awesome information Chad. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Thanks for the honest update mate. I 4WD myself, I own a Mercedes as well as an Isuzu 4WD and I wouldn’t drive a big expensive Merc as hard as you do. I’d ease up just a little.

This is great, as i was thinking about getting one, now i know what to check.

You can get drilled head CV bolts that allow safety wire to be used to keep the bolts from loosening.

Good video, demystified the process for those who feel inept....

I feel ya man, wheeling breaks stuff haha. Doing my best to keep the truck house alive wheeling the jeep trails, see ya out there!

Love your work. God bless you

Excellent video! Many, many thanks 🙏 from Australia 😊

Awesome info, I felt the same clunk on t my front dif on the trails last weekend. Im checking all this stuff out tomorrow.

I loved this touch of a different style of video.

Maintenance / troubleshooting is part of life, its good to see that LTVL isnt all green grass & roses. Ive got a garage full of tools, i cant imagine being that limited, at home

Good info there Chad...Keep on truckin! Be safe!

I appreciate the video and information, much appreciated

Like the video bud very helpful to everyone that has the same van ;) keep safe buddy

Should have also said that I love this channel and really appreciate this video….more of the same in terms of what the issues are….what works and what doesn’t etc…..great stuff Chad.

I liked this video, you did a great job, keep on trucking / vanning

Nice view point Chad..! I dig it..!!

Anything with struts and cv axles will give you problems off road. You need a straight front axle. Love your hard work and videos.

Maybe slow down just a tad on the rough stuff. Explore the difference between static and dynamic traction. My old 1971 Land Rover goes just as far crawling along on the bumps and undulations as my mates who hit them at speed for momentum.. the only difference is I’ve never broken anything. Even in mud and snow super slow and gentle can be far more productive than revs and spinning. Static traction vs dynamic..

@ScotsWhaHae

2 жыл бұрын

And maybe an off-road driving course and/or an introduction to the concept of “fit for purpose”…..

@Ericvegas702

2 жыл бұрын

1971 they were built like tanks🤷‍♂️

@digitaljustin92

2 жыл бұрын

The low range on his Sprinter which is now on 35s does not deliver a slow enough crawl ratio. It has no rear or front lockers and the traction system relies on his brakes to stop wheel spin, which is at times slow to engage. With a gross weight of over 10,000lbs Chad has to perform a delicate dance of carrying enough momentum to overcome obstacles and not overspeed to cause damage. Bolts coming loose after this type of abuse is not uncommon even on Jeeps. I check my Rubicon before and after each trip and there are always thing I need to torque down. Just ensur eyou keep on top of preventative maintenance. Even so, I am impressed by where he drives his Sprinter. Most adventurous driver I have seen on this platform. I appreciate the effort and content Chad.

@hammerT2997

2 жыл бұрын

Spinning ain't winning!!! True that brother

@pamelahamrick4230

2 жыл бұрын

Agree

UNBELIEVABLE, nice job identifying the problem. Pawn Shops are a great place to find tools at 70% below retail pricing.

Merry Christmas Chad love the videos

Very educating.. thanks for sharing your experiences bro..

Great information, thanks for sharing. With the great traction in Moab and your larger wheels I think you are completely overloading your drivetrain. Maybe adjusting your drive style can help enough to still enjoy the trails out there. Keep sharing what you find out. Good luck!

nice on-the-spot remedy coz that will carry you further on your journey. keep safe and good thing you have, at least, the necessary handy tools for repair. regards from the Philippines.

More of this - it helps us there don’t know a hole lot about the mechanics issues you could meet and will meet it seems like. Very good information - Thanks 👍

@LivingTheVanLife

2 жыл бұрын

You bet, when I'm able to pass these types of stories on I'm certainly glad to-

It was a great video....liked very much.. Very educational and helpful

Nicely done in a car park, inexcusable that the drive train bolts were lose! I think you also used thread locker (thought I spied some), but at the first opportunity I’d get that sucker up on a ramp and torque those bolts to spec and get some paint on them so you can quickly check visually for future movement. Great vid man enjoyed it and hello from the U.K. 🇬🇧👍

Excellent video and tutorial if you will! Great repairs and trouble shooting.

We definitely need more stuff like this!!! Thanks.

@LivingTheVanLife

Жыл бұрын

Well, Larry, isn't that a bit of a double-edged sword for me? I'm kinda thankful the ol' Sprinter is doing her part. Thanks for watching!

@larrybarrera7641

Жыл бұрын

@@LivingTheVanLife it absolutely is for you. You obviously have cultivated something great here. I was more or less referring to the community as a whole. There are enough videos about overpriced product reviews. I spent a few hours yesterday watching some of your content and ultimately subscribed. Thanks again.

Awesome that you were able to do the roadside repairs! If that is Moab, I’ve been to the same auto parts stores! My 4Runner had a check engine light after some wheeling near Twin Bridges, and the O’Reilly folks were nice enough to lend me a scanner. Then I went to the other store to get a replacement ring latch pin for my rear bumper 😀

Great eye and fixing the problems in a pinch.

Good information Chad!

LOVE THIS VIDEO! We also have a 2020 4x4 and appreciate this type of content, keep it coming! 👍 You are a crazy dude, keep on pushing it to the limit! Can’t wait to see more

Love the GoPro diagnostics, never used mine for this purpose but did send it down a drain on some rods once!

Chad, thank you for highlighting these issues, really appreciate your advice. I like you practical approach using the spring washers and think that I will replace all those bolts with Allen head cap bolts which I will drill and wire to ensure they stay put!! Regards EdVenture 547

Thanks for this. I'm going to have to check my 2019 Sprinter 2500 4x4 bolts now.

Great content, pleas bring more of these videos. Thank you , Merry Christmas and God Bless

I learn something new everyday. Thx.

keep making all kind of content . it all helps

Great information !!

Helpful info considering you put harder miles on than me. I’m at 10k on my 170 4x4. I’m going to put a wrench on all those bolts. Thanks!

Very informative video. Thank you for sharing.

I'm a week away from having a 2022 4x4-170 delivered. I feel blessed to do so and I can feel in my gut that she is strong, balanced and mechanically sound. Her name is Atheana J . I am enjoying and learning bunches from your videos.

@LivingTheVanLife

Жыл бұрын

Best of luck! Enjoy your van and Keep on Trucking! Cheers!

Great video Chad. Seasons greetings 🍺

Good job trying things out and exploring ways to make repairs. I hope Mercedes takes this as very helpful and useful feedback.

Good deal!!!...I appreciate the information man!!👍👍😎💪