Laser Temperature Gun $32

B

BrentB

New member
Tools-Plus-Outlet via eBay offers the Milwaukee Laser Temp-Gun, model no. 2266-20, for $31.99 with free shipping. That's the lowest total price we could find by $9. It features a 12:1 distance to spot ratio, LCD display with LED backlight, and proprietary rail

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321916713528?rm ... rmvSB=true

.Basic Accuracy: 1.50%
Contact Temperature Input: -40º C to 537º C(-40º F to 998º F)
 
Which brings up the question (in my mind) "what is hot?" I've been using my IR temp gun on tires and bearings. Hotest that I've gotten is about 40 degrees above ambient. Meaning that if it's 85 degrees out (like on my recent Eastern Washington trip), my tires might read 125 degrees. I assume that's nothing. What is the warning temp for tires and bearings. Also, I assume that since I now have disc brakes, that adds some to the bearing temps? Shooting through the "spokes" on the wheels right at the disc after a long decent shows the brake discs at 180 degrees. That has to add something to the bearings.

Mark.
 
Generally I run 20 over ambient, but 40 over ambient is OK. Disc brakes at 180 degrees sounds a bit high. However, if you just stopped, it may have heated them up. Generally I check the brake discs after I have walked the dog. I do the tires and hubs immediately on stopping.

Coming down a long grade into the Salt Lake Valley, I did heat up a bearing, and suspect that I had some dragging of the disc brakes on the down grade. I charged that bearing--the next AM after running a few miles, I checked the discs--and the same axle had the opposite bearing heating up--so I disconnected the brakes on that axle--and went on my way. I rebuilt the brakes when we got home. Good reason to carry extra hydraulic fittings in the kit.
 
Bob,

What was the temp of the bearing you changed? I had a dragging brake and the hub got to 165. I let it cool and it seemed that the brake had released because it was very close to the temp of the hubs. I also did not drive on the freeway going home. I looked at the outer bearing and it looked fine and the grease looked like new. So I put it back together.
 
My rule of thumb is if I can't hold my hand on a tire I figure something is wrong. I think most people could feel the temperature difference going from tire to tire. I take my first two fingers and place them on the hub. If I can't hold them there because of heat I would surmise there is a problem. I make sure to change brake fluid every two years in our cars and truck an the trailer. Water is heavier than the brake fluid. It seems to attract moisture plus condensation is another cause. The water can cause corrosion in the bottom side of the bores for the caliper's pistons. This can cause the brake to drag and excess heat which can melt the wheel seal. Then going unnoticed its all over but the crying. Brake fluid is pretty cheap.
D.D.
 
From a previous thread:

Keep in mind that disc brake trailers may run slightly hotter. In checking with our Service Manager John, he says that temps as high as 180 would be the upper limit of normal.
Click to expand...

Quote from Matt Gurnsey of Kitsap Marine.
 
SeaSpray":3l87rorp said:
Bob,

What was the temp of the bearing you changed? I had a dragging brake and the hub got to 165. I let it cool and it seemed that the brake had released because it was very close to the temp of the hubs. I also did not drive on the freeway going home. I looked at the outer bearing and it looked fine and the grease looked like new. So I put it back together.
Click to expand...

When I checked the bearing the morning after a fairly shot drive it was 230 degrees.
 
The biggest single thing to worry about is difference in temps from tire to tire or bearing to bearing. If both or all four of the bearing temps are withing 10 or 15 degrees of each other, then you are good to go unless, all four bearings are going out at the same time. Also, I adjust the differential temps for which side I've been towing facing the sun. That side will often be warmer by 5 go 10 degrees when you've stopped to check.

Also, make sure your lazer dot is pointed at the same spot every time and that you hold the IR the same distance approximately every time.

I buy my IR's at Harbor Freight for 19 bucks year round. they have served me well as I'm only comparing temps, not looking for absolute numbers.
 
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