Volume 08.04.10 the Hummer Club, Inc. ®

VOLUME 08.04.10 THE HUMMER CLUB, INC. ® RUBBERDUCK 4X4 BlueHummer Outfitters H1 LED Announces Wireless Hour Meter Front Turn Signals BlueHummer Outfitters Keep accurate track of maintenance intervals. A RubberDuck 4x4 Exclusive! Vibration activated hour meter requires no external power or electrical connection. It can Convert your H1 Front Turn Signals to true LED! be mounted almost anywhere on or in your Four LED’s illuminate for parking lights and all Hummer vehicle. Total hours, up to 99,999.9, 14 LED’s flash for turn signal. The LED boards are always shown on the LCD display. This install in your existing Turn Signal Housings sealed, highly shock resistant meter features with no modification. Simply plug them in! reliable solid state electronics with quartz crystal The LED Boards can be purchased in accuracy and an internal battery. Mounting three options: bracket is included. $39 1. LED Boards Only, just install the board in For more information: your existing lamps - $165.00 Pair www.bluehummer.com 2. LED Boards and New Turn Signal Housings, or call 303-798-5518 why put your new LEDs in old scratched or dull housings. Replace them with new factory housings - $285.00 Pair 3. LED Boards, New Housings, and New Mounting Brackets. Replace your entire turn signal with New Housings, Brackets and LED Boards. - $310.00 Pair Predator Search & Rescue View these and other LED options at: Rear Bumper www.RubberDuck4x4.com or give us a call at 513-RU-DUCKD Our new S&R Rear Bumper for the H1 Hummer is the Heavy Duty solution for the offroader! The bumper is approximately 2” higher off the ground then the stock bumper as well raised corners for some serious departure angle. The entire construction is manufactured from formed 1/4” thick steel with a boxed and internally reinforced design for an almost indestructible design. Unlike the original tow hitch that looks like an after thought, our two hitch is built into the Predator Bumper and fully reinforced to retain the stock tow rating. Also includes two low profile LED License Plate Bolt Lights which adds to the clean look and function of the bumper and allows you to choose license plate location.

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All Hummer Club members receive an EXCLUSIVE 10% off the S&R Rear Bumper and Options! CONTENTS FALL 2010 Features Windrock 06 The Beautiful Tennessee Mountains The hummer adventures 12 Another Year Has Come and Gone! Drummond Island 16 A Journey That Began Four Years Ago moab xv 20 The People Dreams come true! 22 Travel To Moab Departments president’s message 05 Event Participation member tech tip 28 Vacuum Pump Troubleshoot and Replacement tech tip 30 Chassis Lube Oops! 32 Sometimes Things Don’t Go As Planned!

COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY Larry Coplin

Photo: Chris Blood AZIMUTH 1 Club Directors Marshall Henderson Glen Peck Director – President Director – CFO/Membership/HOPE 289 Rolling Hill Road 2722 Lury Lane Mooresville, NC 28117 Annapolis, MD 21401 [email protected] [email protected] 704-663-6510 (home) 410-268-8820 (office) 704-309-9427 (cellular) 410-279-0262 (cellular)

Rick Grucz Eric Sitterle Director Director – Events Planning 2845 Jewell Road 1802 Ridgewood Circle Howell, MI 48843 Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 [email protected] [email protected] 517-223-4885 (home) 513-226-5823 (cellular) 248-505-6532 (cellular) Kevin Cusimano Dave Breggin Director Director 7155 Sunset Ridge Parkway 4604 W. Ponds Circle Indianapolis, IN 46259 Littleton, CO 80123 [email protected] [email protected] 317-862-8652 (home) 303-929-1020 (cell) 317-209-6631 (work) 303-798-5518 (office)

Marc Balocco Director 2063 Yavapai Drive Sedona, AZ 86336 [email protected] [email protected] 928-204-2555 (work) 928-606-4455 (cellular)

2 AZIMUTH The HUMMER Club, Inc. is a non-profit mutual benefit corporation organized under the California Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation Law. We are a national organization dedicated to promoting the safe use of the HUMMER in a family oriented atmosphere. We emphasize responsi- ble four-wheeling and are serious about safety and environmentally correct off-roading. We encourage our members to be active in land use advocacy and community service and to use both vehicles and land resources safely along the guide- lines set forth by Tread Lightly! and the United Four Wheel Drive Association. Both regional and national events run by member volunteers are sponsored throughout the year where members can drive trails with levels of difficulty ranging from moderate to extreme. These events, our website and the publication of a quarterly magazine also offer an opportunity for exchange of information to develop a better understanding of the Photo from “Dreams Come True! Travel To Moab” Article on Page 22 HUMMER vehicle and its safe use. As the only recognized national HUMMER organization, the Club enjoys excellent relationships with AM General and HUMMER/General Motors Corporation and frequently has factory technicians and parts support at major events. The Club welcomes all HUMMER vehicles. It is a strong, established organization that will only get better with your help. Join in, support the HUMMER Club. With your participation, the Club will continue to grow for the benefit of HUMMER owners. H

For membership information visit www.thehummerclubinc.com

For Advertising information contact [email protected]

Azimuth is designed by: Paul Jones 1904 South Kellogg Place Kennewick, WA 99338

Contact Paul at [email protected]

For permissions and reprints of this magazine, contact: [email protected]

AZIMUTH 3 Photo by Manny MacMillan 4 AZIMUTH CLUB NEWS

teach is spotting. It is really helpful while Ask another HUMMER owner if they ever on the trails to have good spotters and off road and or would like to. Tell them fellow drivers with good techniques. It is about the Club and encourage them to try amazing how much you learn about getting it out. You know how much fun we have, your truck through a challenge by closely don’t be stingy about sharing the passion. watching others go through. Not all trail We no longer have dealers selling leaders are good at explaining techniques HUMMERS and selling the Club so we have and some don’t have the patience, but we to find new members on our own. Use your have many skilled enthusiasts who are Ambassadors and use copies of Azimuth willing to help. to help in recruiting new enthusiasts. Or

At the Club annual meeting we announced follow George Yankay’s example at three new directors with Eric Sitterle Windrock and bring a friend out to try electing to continue his position on the their hand at it. board. New to the board are Dave Breggin If you have ideas for events, if you can of bluehummer.com, Marc Balocco of help a bit with Azimuth, if you can help Sedona Off-road Adventures and Kevin maintain the web site, if you are good PRESIDENT’S Cusimano from Indianapolis. Please join at Facebook or Tweet regularly we me in welcoming these volunteers who are need your help. If you are coming to an MESSAGE stepping up to help out with our Club. event and would be willing to help with Retiring from active board duties are registration, name tags, dinner, etc., we P. Marshall Henderson Hal Dilworth, Bob DeVore and Manny need your help. You don’t have to spend MacMillan. All three contributed tirelessly Glen Peck type hours, just contribute what you can. We need your help. Everyone needs to get out to an event next and their efforts are greatly appreciated. year. In fact, go to several events. This We still know how to get hold of them and I would like to wrap up with a HUGE thank is what the Club is all about. Wheeling we aren’t afraid to ask for help. When you you to Glen Peck. You may not know it but together, hanging out by the fire in the see these three out and about be sure to this man pours his heart into our Club. He parking lot, planning our next trips, say thanks. works tirelessly and even made meetings comparing accessories, sharing parts One topic discussed at the meeting was battling health issues. He does the work suppliers and repair techniques. There is getting more people to help. You don’t of any three other directors and never always a buzz around the trucks where have to serve as a director, but getting turns down a request. Thank you Glen, people check out what is new or different. involved is a big help to us. We are your work and your commitment mean the world to me and to this Club of ours. We are going to get a better way to list going to get back to a committee method Be safe everyone (especially you Curt), upcoming events on our website so you can of doing things. We will set up a trail I will see you on the trails.Take care, be make plans to join us as often as possible. committee under Eric. More people to safe and I will see you on the trails, If you plan a local event, let us know and contact event coordinators collect event details and all around help with planning we will promote the event on our website. Marshall Of course we want pictures and a write up our event schedule. We need an Azimuth after, we love hearing about how people committee. Again spread the work get out and use their trucks. out under the groups direction so one volunteer does not bear the whole burden. I also think we need to set up some driving Every little bit of help you can give will academy type events. Take drivers out make the tasks a whole lot easier. through obstacles and discuss ways to get through the challenges and proper Always be on the lookout for new club recovery techniques etc. Another thing to members. They are hiding everywhere.

AZIMUTH 5 Wow! The Tennessee mountains

are truly beautiful in the Fall. Sunny

and 70 degrees with leaves about

a week away from their peak, our

setting was wonderful. About 45

trucks from as far away as Canada,

Wisconsin, New York and Florida,

converged with the more local

folks for three days of wheeling in

the popular Windrock Park.

6 AZIMUTH AZIMUTH 7 Thursday’s pre-run extra day was popular Former Club director Scott Freeman led a with about 25 trucks heading out to test the group over some of the more aggressive conditions. Most groups covered multiple trails. We had to skip trail 3 last year trails and made it back in time to set up due to washouts, but this year Scott was registration. Curt Ridenhour, however, able to lead his group up the rock climb started the weekend’s drama with a broken without issue. They next headed to the ball joint at the top of trail 16. A rescue fabled trail 39. The severe washouts there trailer was sent to bring him down off the had been addressed by the Coal Creek mountain where parts were ordered and Company but Scott ran into a section too his truck repaired the next day. tight for the H1s, check his doors if you need confirmation. Reversing up trail 39 Friday was the first full day with six groups is no minor accomplishment. Charles Piper heading out to cover the whole mountain. added an even more extreme element to ATV traffic was light giving us free rein of the climb, but lost the rear control arm in the trails. Amy Morgan, Forester for the the process. Again AM General support Coal Creek Company gave me details of helped get parts and he repaired his three new trails that have been added, but truck the next day. are not yet marked on the maps. Our group, following Travis Depew, ventured to the Another Club director Hal Dilworth western end to try out these new trails. took a group and covered a lot of ground for the day. Unfortunately they What we found were beautiful vistas and lost a front drive shaft and a starter wonderful scenery connected by moderate on the way. Both trucks made it in, got trails with a couple of fun obstacles. Our repaired and were ready to roll the friend Curt provided the real drama on next day. Carl Pilj took a group out these trails during Saturday’s run, but more exploring the northeast part of the on that later. One of the most enjoyable park. Several drivers got their first sections was the downhill run at the end of experiences driving HUMMERS in the trail 43. I told Amy they need to keep adding off road environment. Carl gave kudos trails with challenges like that. She assures to Diane Caton for a job well done and me that more trails are in development and a feat of a rock crawl not previously that they will be ready for next year’s run. I accomplished by the H2/H3 crowd think I sense an extra trip to Windrock next without lockers. Way to go Diane! summer to check out the trails.

8 AZIMUTH AZIMUTH 9 10 AZIMUTH Another local driver, Jesse Salinas, truck unscathed. The group pulled him three sections of a downed tree found led a group on one of my favorite back to the trail where he made it the back up the trail a bit. After each truck Windrock trails, lucky number 13. rest of the way and even drove home made it through we re-stacked the The gravel road out at the end of to Florida. These are tough trucks, but rocks so that by the time George and the trail was closed several years please do not try this with your vehicle. Marie Janu came through, they made ago for mining so 13 is an out and To their credit, the On-Star emergency it look so easy. Good teamwork from back adventure. Both Carl and Jesse’s crew was on the way up the mountain the whole group on this one. groups survived the day intact. With having gotten the crash signal. They Jesse was incoming new Club director were probably wondering how in the Once everyone was down we had Kevin Cusimano. In Carl’s group was world to get to his signal. a great dinner with soooo much regular hard charger George Yankay, story telling going on. Thanks to but on this trip he brought a couple of Everyone was safe and no injuries Rubberduck 4x4, Rampart HUMMER, friends along and let them enjoy some this trip, but we need to step up our HUMMER of Knoxville, and Dew time behind the wheel of his truck. focus on safety and driver training. HUMMER for the great collection of George hopes to finish the recruiting Even veteran drivers make mistakes door prizes. Our director election process and have two new HUMMER (Manny? Me a few years ago!!), There results were announced and we had owners and Club members with us are definitely better/smarter ways to a “quick” discussion about events and next year. cross challenging obstacles. The Travis the future of the club. More on those led group finished the picturesque and topics elsewhere in this issue. I need Trail boss, Club director and trail tight trail 16 Saturday afternoon and only to say that we need your help leader Eric Sitterle led an aggressive decided to try the washed out trail 8. in recruiting members and completing group of H2’s around. Working The sign at the bottom said extremely the Club’s work. together the experienced drivers difficult, enter at your own risk. We covered a lot of ground on Friday. On proceeded with caution not sure And last, but certainly not least, many Saturday they went to tackle trail 3 what we would run into. All of trail thanks to AM General for sending with its’ rock climb then headed out to 8 was passable with HUMMER sized John and Vinny with the trailer to the new trails out west. This is where challenges, but where it empties onto support our event. It was also nice Curt generated the excitement for the trail 23 things got interesting. to have Rick and Terri Smith out weekend. There was a low section on enjoying their company’s product. the trail that got squishy with water The descent is steep with no trail Thanks also to Rick, Bill and Charlie draining across the trail causing truck maintenance. The rut we encountered for coming out and working on our rear ends to tend to slip down hill, was deep and wide. Too wide to trucks. HUMMER of Knoxville is no which is a weird feeling. straddle; too narrow to drive in. more, but hopefully we can entice Credit Travis with the guts to pick a them to help out in the future. Curt tried to avoid that slip and hit the path into and through the obstacle. hole too aggressively. His lifted H2 Climbing out presented a serious issue I had a blast and I have heard from was too top heavy for the move and with a great chance for rollover or many of you who enjoyed the trip as he rolled over twice on the way down body damage. We finally stacked well. To those of you who missed out, the hill, stopped by a tree. A panicked rocks and winched him out of the hole go ahead and plan an October trip to trail group was relieved when Curt got safely. Now we had the makings of a Windrock 2011. H past his airbags and popped out of the line so we started stacking rocks and

AZIMUTH 11 12 AZIMUTH Russ was able to get that problem solved, there were tornadoes in the area and but as most of you who own these machines expecting 5 or more inches of rain, and it already know, there is always more. was already raining.

We had our next trip planned, Grayling We made it to Moab late the following Snow run, which is fine, IF you have heat! day and checked into the hotel. We were So Russ found a military heater, attached a day early, so the next day we all went Well here we are, it to the center between the seats, put in a on a cruise down the Colorado River on a switch, hooked up the extra fans that Lee jet boat with about 20 other people. We another year has come & gone. had used in order to push warm air toward were on the river for 4 hours, including Russ has been a busy mechanic, working on the windshield and we were set. some stops along the way. the Beast. But let’s go back a bit. The snow run went well, no major We met up with Gary Swallow and some We were able to make Drummond Island problems. Oh wait, we were supposed to of the rest of the group that evening. We 09, where Russ proudly won the Quincy lead a group, that didn’t go so well. Our had a total of 12 trucks. The rest of the Award for precision driving. He was daughter, Stacie, joined us and we had a group had gone in together and rented driving the Beast like we did with the H3s. blast. We had not at that point anchored condos. They had evening meals/menus Putting a tire up on the rocks instead of just things like the cb, and the gps, so we were setup, great food, headed up by Erica rolling over them and he has gotten better going up one of the really bumpy hills, and Larson, with help from the rest of us, all the with the concept! we had stuff bouncing everywhere, Stacie meals were great. was driving, but we were laughing so hard, Drummond was fantastic as always; great we barely made it to the top of the hill. I have to add something here because as people, new friends, and awesome trails. the days go on we had a few injuries, but We went out on the night run with Bob, A couple weeks after Grayling, we hitched even before that, Tony, who has antique Scott, Drew and Joanne, leaving through the trailer with the new roof up to the farm tractors, had fractured the base of his the parking lot across from the resort. It is beast, and drove her down to Phil’s shop right thumb while cranking up his tractor. a whole lot different going through water in Mishawaka. Phil put the new roof on, So he was in a splint. that is up over your headlights and trees so fixed a lot of areas on the body and gave I can’t find our trail book, but we started close together you felt like you were in a her a beautiful coat of red paint. It was by 9 a.m.ish each morning, in two groups, scary movie when it’s pitch black outside! a very long winter and spring waiting for Phil to call and say, come get her, she is usually in different directions. Some of If my memory is correct we did not have done. the trails we conquered included Chicken any problems with the Beast. Corners, Dome Plateau, Hurrah Pass, We had her for just a few short days in Lockhart Basin and Canyon, 7 Mile Rim, Our next planned trip was to be Windrock. June and Russ was under her every waking Top of the world, and Uranium Arch. Our We were packing and checking tools and moment. We had a big trip planned with longest day was Thursday which was 12 supplies for the trails when Russ went out on Tony and Connie Nowicki from Novi, plus hours. It was after dark when we a fire run only 2 miles from the house, when heading out west to Moab. They had made finally came in for dinner. he called me to call a friend for a wrecker. a trip last year with the Midwest Hummer He said all of a sudden the truck was making Club to the Badlands/Mt. Rushmore area. Now to go back to the injury list; Tony loud noises that did not sound good. At first So we tagged along to Moab for 4-5 days went out with the broken thumb. One he thought he threw a rod and needless of off roading with the club. of the women in our group, Sarah, had to say we did not make Windrock. Once gone for a bike ride with her husband and Russ got to the source of our problems it The trip out was great, except we had took a spill and x-rays confirmed she had ended up being a rocker arm shaft that had planned to just get a few hours of sleep in fractured her elbow. Our head cook’s broken. This is the beginning of an intimate a rest area for the night, but the weather husband nearly broke his ankle when he relationship with Dennis down at what used didn’t look very promising so we found slipped on some rocks while we had been to be Hummer of Novi. a hotel. Upon checking in, we were told waiting for one of the trucks in the other

AZIMUTH 13 group to be repaired. The designated bit after we turned around and ended up That’s where our mechanical problems mechanic was with our group and had in front, but it wasn’t too bad. The trails/ started with the Beast. We ended up in gone back to help, so of course the rest rocks are marked with white paint, and Fort Morgan, and a NAPA store, those of us we exploring when Zane injured we had the trail books, and Connie was guys were great. Russ and Tony were his ankle. fantastic keeping up with that. We saw able to work out in the parking lot while small lizards, a snake, jack rabbits, and one of the guys went home to make a Oh, and the damaged truck was taken 3 goats. Thanks Midwest Hummer for a fitting. Russ and Tony were able to rig apart, and parts were ordered for what great trip!!! a cooling system for the transfer case so they thought they needed (H3). The parts we could get home. arrived the next afternoon while we had The four of us did some touring on our all gone out on the trails, so it wasn’t till own into the Arches and we found Long We again found a hotel for the Thursday that they returned to the truck, Canyon trail and decided to see where it night. Saturday we were able to make it to which after all the hard work still had to would take us. the Michigan state line, Connie and Tony be strapped out. needed fuel, but the whole southwest We also decided to leave for home on corner of the state was without power... The views were breath taking and some Friday, instead of waiting till Saturday. So we finally made it to Red Arrow hwy for areas of the trails were very challenging. we headed east early Friday morning. food and fuel. Russ and I even got to lead the pack for a 3 more hours or so to home... What a trip... I know there is so much more I could write about this trip and the people, but I think Manny would like some room for other stories.

So here we are, full circle, Drummond Island 2010. And Russ was under the Beast every waking moment. We had gotten new tires/rims, put in new front springs (I didn’t mention that with the new/bigger tires, when we hit bumps on the trail in Moab the tires were hitting the hood. ewww!!

So now we almost need a step stool. But that wasn’t the biggest problem, Russ had worked on the left rear hub, thought it was fixed, (this was just a couple days prior to leaving for the UP). He felt the truck wobbling, looked in the mirror and the tire was about to fall off, so we called the wrecker and Dennis. Got parts, got

14 AZIMUTH her fixed.... We hope. Hooked her to the night run they can still head out. I decided We made it home without any problems. motor home tow bars and crossed our to head back to the motor home, Stacie Yeah!!! So now we are trying to decide fingers and toes. and Russ left with Bob, Scott and the on Windrock and if we go we will drive Smiths. The report I got, they were on the beast, not sure about pulling with the We went up on Wed. and Stacie went the trails for 20-30 minutes, and Russ was motor home in the mountains. with us again. So she and Russ met up driving, when the right side tire decided with Scott and Bob and a couple other to break off.... So they spent nearly 2 Russ has already been on the phone with early arrivals and went out for the pre- hours, in the dark, fixing the new ball joint Dennis, ordering tie rods and other parts. runs on Thursday. Then we had invited that Russ had just replaced. Luckily Rick everyone to our campsite for burgers, Smith and Scott Pouls had spare parts, as I was able to use some inheritance to buy brats and hotdogs, and registration. We did Russ; theirs were easier to get to. So an 08 H3 and it really feels good to be were up early Friday, breakfast at Bear we didn’t go out on the trails Saturday back in the seat. It doesn’t have the off Track, and on to the trails. Stacie and I as Russ was busy adjusting/tightening/ road package, but that’s ok. switched back and forth driving. It was a fixing. We helped when we could. But When we were in Windrock in 08 we beautiful day. Not so much for the night it was relaxing, watching the boats...big had won a hard cover for the spare run. We hadn’t planned on going; we had boats at the marina. We had a wild bird, tire, so I am looking into having some dinner with Tony and Connie, and then a spoiled starling, that we could hand airbrushing done. I will send pics as soon were joined by Rick Smith and his wife. feed while we waited. He was having some problems with her as that gets done. truck, so after our meal the guys tried We had a great meal that evening, and The Hummer Addiction continues on in the to help them out. Bob and Scott showed Russ won the DOA/greatest carnage Riley family. See you all on the trails. H up and said if anyone wanted to go on a plaque... He is so proud...

AZIMUTH 15 Drummond Island 2010 By: Daniel Fegan | Photos by: “Flash” Photography

16 AZIMUTH met Rick Grucz and Carl Jarema at my first off road trip ever (a couple months earlier at Rocks and Valleys near Harrison, Mi.) and got the low down on Drummond. Rick gave me a copy of Azimuth and I studied every page, article and advertisement. Being pretty excited about the possibility of finally realizing a goal, I confirmed my reservation on the Island a full month before the event was posted on THCI’s homepage. I had secured my vacation time and now the truck has to get ready. One thing leads to another (tires, OEM UCP, OEM Rocker Rails, custom spring skids, 15# Co2 tank, 30’ recovery My journey to strap, Hi-Lift jack, spare tie rods) and Drummond Island 2010 the list goes on. actually began 4 years ago, With the registration complete and when I leased my Hummer H3. Selling the truck trail ready – it was now just off a 1988 Buick Reatta (original waiting for the event to arrive. July owner) my Hummer ownership dream seemed to take forever to get through became a reality. Having yearned and the first week in August was like for an H1 and driven a friends H2 in it was never going to get over. The Texas, the H3 was the size and price excitement and anticipation were point I was waiting for. When the lease boiling my blood. Couldn’t sleep, was up, it became a purchase and the couldn’t work, couldn’t relax – just first customization was to reduce the kept tweaking my truck (even painted height of the radio antenna. I found my hub centers) waiting for August the Hummer Club on the web and was 12th to arrive. Found a couple of immediately intrigued by the HOPE Hummer Forums and tried to glean as program. Trail certification required much information about off roading as attendance at a Hummer Club event. I could from the posters. Bugged Carl The local dealership was hyping up about every other day with some kind Drummond and I put it on the calendar of email question – and he graciously for what would turn out to be 4 years. tolerated my peskiness with good Unfortunate conflicts between event replys – but I yearned for more. I was dates and mandated vacations at work on a Hummer Jones high and addicted would ultimately postpone my dream. to the upcoming adrenalin. Fast forward to 2010…the H3 needs tires so research begins in earnest Finally August 12th arrives. I’m on the best choice for a multitude of up at 0600, packed the truck the applications – one of which is its ability night before, got the dog off to the to go to Drummond. No mandated Kennel, home to get the Mrs. and I vacation this year so Drummond and can’t believe this is really going to HOPE certification is a go. happen. Heading to Drummond Island – 4 years after first hearing about I join the Hummer Club, contact it, 4 years in the making, now it is Glen Peck about HOPE and get the coming true. A happy day. 0715 the information. Sign up for the required Hummers start rolling in and by 0745 Red Cross classes, complete the the BTI is packed and overflowing forms and requirements – now all that with trucks and customers. Bob remains is the trail certification. I had helps pour coffee and the staff s on

AZIMUTH 17 18 AZIMUTH Drummond Island 20 1 0 auto pilot, pushing orders as fast as to Turtle Ridge (a full on hardcore they can cook and serve. The sliced off road park). Turtle Ridge is a fried potatoes are as good as any challenge anytime – but in the rain it is anywhere - crisp golden brown and nearly impossible. Nearly everyone delicious. The trail meeting takes in that group broke something that place in the parking lot with Scott day. The group I was in was headed going over groupings, trail rules, down a new trail we titled Plywood CB channel, etc. Trucks are airing Camp due to a cabin about 10’ from down and lining up – and off we the trail (btw this was one rugged go. The group I am riding with is trail), Southeast beach (photo shoot), scheduled for the main trail from Pins Shale Beach (lunch), Marble Head, (with several of the H3’s taking the and Glen Cove. By lunch the rains Halfrisch Trail), Walker trail, Tight had subsided and the afternoon was Twisties, Conner’s Hole, and then a bright and sunny. Lots of water, mud, special little run up to Pregnant Knob rocks, trees, and even a log crossing. where we were looking for an old Marble Head was my first ever army cabin and tent locations. The drive down rock steps and I much only way to describe the day was appreciated the spotting. Had a Fantastic! Carl was the lead with Bob bit of trouble on the way up, but a as tail gunner. Conner’s Hole was a few inches move to the right from blast – about 100 yards of water Bob and it was one more obstacle up to 24” deep with floating logs overcome. Great day on the trails, and a beaver dam. About half way lots of learning, new friends, and through the Mrs. says we got water great photo opportunities. I was coming in. I was already on high so appreciative of having been stress (having never done anything with these folks for 2 days. Great! like this before) and then she claims Just Great! water is coming in. Well – she was just busting my chops and we didn’t Saturday night found us at the really have water coming in – but it banquet with a wide range of eats. sure felt like we were deep enough All good. Recognitions were made to have it happen. Anyway – just a with many members being awarded way cool experience and one of my plaques for items like the attendee favorite parts of the run that day. from the farthest distance, the Mud holes, ruts, rocks, tight technical newest trail guide, and even a recent turns, stumps, inclines, declines, you engagement. Tom Ryan (Michigan name it and we drove it. Finished the Pipe) had a very special surprise. 4 day around 1630 and headed back Carhart Detroit jackets embroidered to the Resort. The unofficial dinner with the THCI logo on the back. These destination was Chuck’s Place for all were extraordinary and coveted by you can eat Fish and Chips. Large mild many in attendance. firm fillets, great coleslaw, and cold Although it took me 4 years to get beverages. Tasty and wonderful. to Drummond Island, I have already The rains came in that night and begun my planning and preparation Saturday morning found our pre- for next year. The trails, the scenery trail meeting on the porch out of the and most of all the people. It was rain. With logistics set - off again we a great time, a HOPE accomplished, drove. This day the advanced group and a memory to hold onto. H (mostly H1’s and Rick) were headed

AZIMUTH 19 Moab XV - The People

The sun is out and the red rocks rise Came, who attended the 1996 event with local guide Dan Mick. When up to greet us as we drive into Moab, and hadn’t been seen in awhile, has they return, and the decision is made Utah. This was the site for The Hummer also returned. to include them in this year’s lineup, the Club’s first national event in 1996 and registration desk is all a-buzz. Thirty- it has taken place every year since. Another group of familiar faces greeting four drivers start signing up for the next Many “old timers” are arriving to help us is the AM General crew with their four days of trails. With trail names celebrate. Bill Kame, “The Old Hummer much appreciated support trailer. Bill like Golden Spike, Hells Revenge, Flat Guy” is the only driver to have attended Thompson and John Klatte were both at Iron Mesa, Poison Spider, Fins and all fifteen Moab events and this year the inaugural event. And although this Things, Seven-Mile Rim, Cliff Hanger he has brought his family to help drive is the club’s fifteen year anniversary at and Steel Bender it is going to be a his H1 wagon, H2 SUV and of course Moab, AMG provided Hummer support great week of rock crawling. These his infamous yellow H3 all in a group. at the Easter Jeep Safari for four years are world class trails and everyone is preceding that. So AMG has been anticipating a world class event. Great Other familiar “old timer” faces supporting Hummer owners here more trails, great food and great people, appear in the parking lot outside our years than the club has been holding the what more could you ask for? headquarters hotel. Ron Bomhoff, event. Jerry Seiner, the GM dealer in one of the original organizers of The Salt Lake City, has also sent support. Event organizer Marc Balocco worked Hummer Club, Inc., Dave Breggin along very hard to get the word out that with George and Marie Janu have only Marc Balocco, Keith Farrand, Ron Moab XV would be a special event, and missed one or two years. Brandon Bomhoff and Greg Phillips arrived a that it was. He designed an Olympic day early to pre-run two new trails

20 AZIMUTH Article and Photos by Larry & Laraine Coplin

style logo and had fifteen custom belt groups assembled on their own during started it all here, as well as poking buckles plus a special trophy made to the past week to explore other areas fun at some of the more interesting recognize long-term attendees. And prior to arriving in Moab for the main activities of the last few days. One thing everyone received the logo on a Polo event. After registration, stories about missing was Dick Kinzalow’s Specially shirt, a lapel pin and a bumper sticker. trails in Ouray, Telluride, Hole in the Imported One-Man-Band to provide Rock and Hurricane echo across the entertainment. He kept the party going This year the Parkers came all the way dinner tables. till after midnight in 1996. from Florida and the Lozupones from Maryland, each traveling over 2000 Moab is famous throughout the world. Thanks go out to all the people that miles just getting here. Canadian drivers The trails are showcased in books, made it happen. The trail leaders and Greg Phillips and David Paish each blogs, forums, magazines and YouTube. tail-gunners were able to get all fifty- drove over 1000 miles to join us. But The Hummer Club’s Moab Event is seven people through the trails and also about the people that attend, the safely back to town each night in time Many of the drivers return to this event camaraderie, and sharing a week or for dinner. And we especially want year after year. Friendships and bonds two with interesting people that have to thank Marc Balocco, the Moab XV are formed that will last a lifetime. As a common passion. We always come event coordinator, for his leadership there was a pre-event trip in Colorado away from Moab with new ideas and and commitment to make this a first- organized by Dave Breggin, many of techniques, new friends and plans for class event and one of The Hummer the participants have already been our next Hummer event. The Awards Club’s largest turnouts of the year. H wheeling together. And several other Banquet recognized those pioneers that

AZIMUTH 21 22 AZIMUTH { Photography by Valentina Pundurs & Lisa Van Stratten }

he merit of our acquaintance polished. Stickers with the logo of overcoming not so difficult obstacles T with American colleagues, the our club were the finishing stage in the sandy rocks and simply enjoyed fans of Hummer, we can completely of preparations. By May we were our rest in the beautiful place. Gary pay to Dale Van Stratten and his completely ready to meet with our Swallow, the full-time team chef wife Lisa. Our first meeting with American friends. decided to overfeed us by all sorts Dale (after communication on the of tasty, every time surprisingly hummernetworkforums.com of our The city of Blanding was chosen as the new, delicious and healthy food. club) took place in Moscow, in the meeting spot. Dale introduced us to his In our general opinion, Gary could hotel “Ekaterina “in the summer of spouse Lisa, and acquainted us with successfully hold master - classes on 2009. I, and several co-sponsors of three more crews of the participants cooking delicious and healthy food our Russian Hummer Club, personally of the ride. Before the meeting with the in field conditions, giving the odds in got acquainted with Dale, and Midwest Hummer Club, we decided to this case to many eminent chefs. shared experiences and impressions spend some time in training grounds about the organization of extreme in the vicinities of Blanding. Lisa told In the evening of the third day we rides in our Hummers. us the trails in the local mountains of removed the camp and went to the Blanding are not as difficult as in Moab, city of Moab where the rest of the Thanks to our common interests - love but it would become an excellent test Midwest Hummer Club was waiting of extreme travel, devotion to the same of our Hummers in readiness for serious for our arrival. And it was more than truck brand, our short, lasting not more off-roading. On this “training ground” thirty crews and the truck of technical than an hour dialogue, became the we really had something to learn from support! When everybody gathered meeting of real old friends. Dale was our American companions. We were near the hotel, the show was really so beautifully telling us about the travel amazed by mutual understanding impressive. Hummers, standing in to Moab, that it impressed us so that it between Dale and Lisa, as between pilot neat rows in the parking area, were became our dream to visit it. And Dale and the navigator. They understood similar to the powerful predators who made this dream a reality when on the each other from a half-word. And, of prepared for the throw waiting only for following arrival to Moscow in autumn; course, we admired Lisa’s masterly the command from the owners. With he invited us to participate in the annual management of her Hummer. She was many owners of the Hummer we were meeting of fans of extreme rides in not simply twisting the wheel but as if familiar in absentia for a long time due Hummers which would take place in the she was operating the human being. The to the repeated communication on the city of Moab, Utah. truck replied the same, with accuracy internet-forums, but the joint supper at carrying out all her “orders”. our rented condos was the excellent In the beginning of 2010, I, together opportunity to meet personally. with my wife arrived in the USA, settled A few hours on the quiet and in Miami, and bought our Hummer H2. scenic road passed quickly, and the In the sunny morning, all points In anticipation of the upcoming trip, we communication on the portable radio of the forthcoming route were took careful preparation of the truck. A set only strengthened the team spirit coordinated and we decided to complete maintenance service of our of our small detachment. We turned split into two groups. High levels of truck was made; all main parts of the into the Canyonlands National park complexity –ascents and descents, truck were checked. where we put up the cozy tents. were waiting for us; it wasn’t safe For two nights it became our base for such a considerable quantity of And, as the most important elements camp, where we went on short trips cars. We, of course, remained in the for travel off-road, the body and in the desert of stones, practiced group with Lisa and Dale, and had the dashboard in the truck were

AZIMUTH 23 finished last preparations, moved forth. day in Moab, and these impressions for a At the beginning of the first day in Moab long time will remain in our memory! we were a little bit disappointed. We were slowly driving on the roads only In the evening we were very tired occasionally interrupted by insignificant because of the absence of experience obstacles in our way. And if not for the in participation in similar trips (in Russia magnificent views from windows of our we did not often have opportunity Hummer (I suppose, they could tell by to participate in races in mountain our faces) Dale, was making fun of us at impassability). However the supper of one of the stops and promised that the all the team under the night sky, with extreme obstacles had not come yet. discussion of all details and high points of the last day, became for us a good Indeed, in a few hours the road turned stimulator. Nobody wanted to go to sleep in the mountains, and the deserted - all wished to share their own impressions landscape changed in rocky canyons and and tell about their feelings. For a while it deep gorges. The column was conducted was a problem of our ignorance to speak by Lisa, showing by the example how to the English language perfectly but we take dangerous places better. And ascents found the decision: our friends (now I shall were really dangerous, with the vertical call them only in such a way) remembered slope on the one side of the road and phrases in Russian with pleasure, and the deep, some hundred meters, precipice, helped us with studying English. There was on the other side. My foot treacherously no one equal in jokes to Randy Groetkin stretched to the brake pedal, and breath and Jackie Heaton, participating in the involuntarily became frequent. We were original yellow Hummer H1. The excellent even a bit in awe of this fragile woman sense of humor, cheerful jokes and funny (Lisa), with such confidence leading the stories of these remarkable people, easily powerful Hummer. Just a few minutes prior “broke through” our language barrier. After to us, she passed these difficult areas with the joint passage of the difficult day route, such grace. The feeling of deep respect we were no longer Russian or Americans, for the professionalism evoked the driving we became one solid team. of Dick Sokol, the master mechanic of our expedition. This quiet, laconic person In this short story I specially didn’t focus confidently conquered his Hummer H3 attention on the beauty of the nature on such obstacles which delivered many surrounding us. I am afraid that a separate problems even to the owners of Hummer book would be required for this purpose. H1. Yes, we had a lot to learn in the first But even in that book I couldn’t describe this surprising place - our language is too

24 AZIMUTH poor, it is necessary to see everything by your own eyes! During all five days of our most fascinating travel in Moab, we were surrounded with such magnificence that we did not want to leave. The only regret in this trip for us was that it wasn’t possible to climb up Lion’s Back.

Special thanks to our acquaintance with Charles Piper. With this man - a legend, k n ow n a m o n g t h e fa n s o f H u m m e r n o t o n l y in the USA, but also outside, socializing with him proceeded easily and naturally. Our fascinating conversations did not prevent a significant difference in age and some difficulties with knowledge of English language. Charles - the big person in everything, with wide soul and kind heart, with huge life experience ome of you may recall the article measure to check our width. So we which he is always ready to share. Sin the July, 2009 Azimuth when only went to Elephant Hill, traveled up Dale Van Stratten visited Russia. After and over the hill, turned around, and We enjoyed the time in the café with Dan months of internet communications with up and back over the hill. There were and Cindy Neuroth, and Charles joking the Russian Hummer Club President some tight turns and at one point you and laughing. We did not want to leave Alexander Grobunov, a trip to Moab pull into a slot where a sign tells you these guys. It was our last meeting with with the Midwest Hummer Club was to back down to the next turn because the American friends before the departure. finally a reality. there is not enough room. Although These people are so positive they easily we would have liked to have run the “infect” with sunny moods all around them. We started the trip with a pre-event to entire trail, we listened to the rangers make sure Alexander was comfortable as this was our first day after all. We A n d we we re n ot a n exc e p ti o n – s a d n e s s with his H2 and driving the Moab did however have a little side trip in went away. Expressing the huge gratitude terrain. We ran Elephant Hill, a lesser this area and stumbled upon a breath- to Dale, Lisa and to all participants of this known trail south of Moab near taking overlook of the Colorado River. event, for their hospitality for receiving us Canyonlands National Park. The park There was a walking trail that went in their united family, we hope to make rangers there discouraged us from through some boulders and opened up joint trips not only to Moab, but also in going all the way through as there to a crack that went straight down for other, not less interesting for fans of was a section that the H1 may not fit hundreds of feet over the river. Hummer, places of America. through. They even brought out a tape

AZIMUTH 25 The next day we proceeded to the snakes, no scorpions, and no wife!” meals in his Dutch oven during this Hole in the Rock trail. A few of us That became our trip motto. portion of our trip. He has mastered did hours of research and talked cast-iron cooking! If you ask nicely, with everyone we could about this We made it a little ways past the maybe he will share some tips and trail. We found out a lot of people trademark Hole in the Rock Chute recipes with you. had tried it but never finished it. then the weather started turning Our strategy was to take a small ugly and we decided to head back. If you have never had the opportunity manageable group, go in as far as Running the chute was the highlight to camp in a remote desert area, you we could the first day, set up camp, of the day. It’s a little like Hell’s need to add it to your bucket list. At get up and drive to the furthest point Gate but much longer and wider. No night you can see millions of stars and and back on the second day, camp spotter’s needed however. Just take feel like you are on another planet. again, then drive out the third day. it slow and steady. Charles Piper didn’t even sleep in a tent! He just laid out a blanket on the The first day of the trail was pretty On our way back to camp the wind and slick rock and snored, although there easy but we did a little geocaching rain started. Then the temperature was much debating about where all along the way until it was time to stop dropped. At one point you drive a the snoring was coming from. for the night. Because all the terrain high plateau so you can see for miles, is slick rock we used pieces of rock to miles and miles of dark clouds and The next day we packed up and hold down our tents. Alexander, our lightning. By the time we got back headed to Moab and met up with Russian friend, insisted on putting his to our camp, the rain let up, but our the rest of the Midwest Hummer tent on top of his H2. When we asked camp was destroyed! We could not Club. We rented condos just south why he said very clearly, “no snakes, figure out what happened at first but of town in Rim Village. We made no scorpions, and no wife!” Even his then we remembered we were on our group reservations through wife, Valentina, did not want to sleep slick rock! All the water runs down Accommodations Unlimited. They on top of an H2. Every time we tried through the formations and causes were very helpful and placed to tell him he would be fine in his tent flash flooding. Alexander found his everyone in units close together. where the bottom zipped up and roof-top tent poles damaged. Inside, We split into two groups and the first the unwanted creatures would not he found large pieces of hail! By this Moab trails were either Top of the come out at night when it was cold, time they were not quite as large as World or Dome Plateau. This was his reply was always the same-“no golf balls, but large enough to bend tent stakes. Most of the tents on the our warm up day to allow everyone ground were in the path of a seasonal time to become acquainted with river and were flipped over and trail procedures. I led the Dome soaked. We started a fire and Plateau team. This was very scenic dried everything out while with a huge arch, a vast overlook of Gary cooked dinner in his Professor Valley and natural wind- Dutch oven. Actually, formed caves. The caves are very Gary cooked all the interesting and I highly recommend taking the time to check them out. If you have kids, this is where you can let them run and wear out some of their energy, going up and down the fine sand inside the caves. There was also an old mining camp with cabins on the last part of the trail.

Now that everyone was working together, we ran Metal Masher and Gemini Bridges to give our Russian friends a taste of what Moab

26 AZIMUTH was really like. First up was Metal over an area that had been washed Masher. We were all thankful there away underneath and I really hoped was a go-around for Rock Chucker it would not cave in this day. but got some great poser shots. Next was Mirror Gulch which is “a We knew we were taking a chance narrow chute of ledges” according for hot weather going to Moab in to Charles A. Wells Guide to Moab, mid-June, but it actually turned out to UT book. I think he needs to go back be very nice. There had been a lot and give readers a little more heads of rain while we were there and the up on this obstacle which has no go- cacti were in full bloom. I’ve never around. There are ledges to climb seen so many different colors and and walls very close on each side overall the landscape was greener so timing and spotting are critical. than I’ve ever seen it before. We We were able to get most everyone know Alexander and Valentina had a up. Some needed a strap to help great time. Both enjoy photography get up over the first ledge. Then and they took thousands of great an H3 in the group had too much pictures and hours of video. speed and bounce, an unfortunate Although it was time for me to get combination in Moab. back home and the Russians to Next up was Gemini Bridges which get back to Florida, the rest of the is an easy trail but beautiful scenery Midwest Hummer Club stayed to and lots of information. Make the run White Rim and Hell’s Revenge. short walk to see bridges and check Maybe someday we will be able to out all the great information about go to Russia for some off-roading natural bridges and arches. It was where I know the great hospitality very scary to see people walking out will be returned. H

AZIMUTH 27 MEMBER TECH TIP BY JEFF WALKLEY

VACUUM PUMP TROUBLESHOOT AND REPLACEMENT The vacuum pump is used on all HUMMER • These can be rented from any auto parts • Vacuum gauge should read 20 inches of diesel engines. The pump controls the store for free as long as you return them vacuum minimum. wastegate for turbocharger operation on intact. • If gauge reads 20 inches or more, turbo models, and controls the HVAC vent • Be sure to get a tool that removes AND vacuum pump is OK. Check HVAC controls on all diesel models. installs a pulley. vent operation. If HVAC vents and/or turbocharger do not function properly, The pump is located on the lower passenger 2. 1/2” socket and ratchet wrench. check vacuum lines from Turbo Actuator side of the engine just beneath the alternator, 3. Short extension. to HVAC unit and/or turbo wastegate and is driven by the serpentine belt (see photo 4. 3/8” breaker bar or ratchet wrench. for damage and improper connection. If 1). Non-function of this pump is described as 5. Wrenches for pulley puller/installation no signs of line or connection problems an insufficient output of vacuum (measured in tool. are found, vacuum pump should be inches of vacuum). 6. number 2 flat head screwdriver. ignored. Problems exists elsewhere. 5. If gauge reads less than 20 inches, turn TESTING THE VACUUM PUMP engine off. 6. Remove vacuum line from vacuum pump The vacuum pump has a single line coming from underneath the truck by removing clamp from the pump which extends upward behind with screwdriver (see photo 4). the belt tensioner, under the large black intake hose to a Turbo Actuator; which is a sensor with 2 vacuum lines running to it (see photo 2). From there one vacuum line runs through the firewall on the passenger side to the HVAC controls inside, and the other to the turbocharger. The two lines join into a rubber connecter on the Actuator. Symptoms of a non-functioning vacuum pump:

1. Non-functioning HVAC vent controls:

• When the HVAC is activated the default setting is to force air through the defrost 7. Hook up vacuum gauge directly to and feet vents. If the vacuum pump is vacuum pump. non-functioning, e.g. (when face vent, is 8. Start engine and read gauge. selected) air will only come out of the • If gauge reads 20 inches of vacuum or defrost and feet vents. However air may more, vacuum pump is OK. Replace line come out of the face vents delayed, or from vacuum pump to Turbo Actuator. with increased engine revolutions, if the • If gauge reads less than 20 inches, pump still produces some vacuum. 1. Start engine with transmission in park, replace vacuum pump. emergency brake on, and HVAC off. VACUUM PUMP REMOVAL 2. Lack of power on turbo diesel models: 2. Raise hood. 3. Remove rubber connector from Turbo 1. Put the transmission in Park, apply the • The wategate on the turbocharger Actuator by hand. controls boost to the engine and is driven emergency brake and turn engine off. 4. Attach vacuum gauge to the right (driver’s 2. Remove serpentine belt from vacuum by vacuum from the vacuum pump. The side) hole and measure vacuum output (see vehicle may feel sluggish. pump pulley by loosening the belt photo 3). tensioner with a 3/8” breaker bar and Typically, both of the two symptoms above moving belt out of the way. occur at the same time if the vacuum pump 3. Attach the pulley puller from the pulley is non-functioning. A vacuum test can be puller/installation tool kit. performed to ensure proper vacuum output 4. Remove pulley from vacuum pump. from the pump. 5. Remove rubber connector with vacuum lines attached from Turbo Tools needed for: Troubleshoot Actuator by hand. 1. Vacuum gauge (any auto parts store) 6. Remove 3 vacuum pump attaching bolts 2. Number 2 flat head screw driver. with 1/2” socket and ratchet wrench. A short extension may be required here. Tools needed for: Replacement 7. Lower vacuum pump slowly and pull 1. Any standard power steering pump, forward to expose vacuum line with pulley puller/installation tool kit. clamp, located on top of the pump on

28 AZIMUTH the back side (skip this step and step 8 if you have already removed this line during step 6 from TESTING THE VACUUM PUMP). • There may be some tension in the vacuum line. Do not apply too much pulling force or the vacuum line could be damaged. 8. Remove vacuum line from pump by loosening the metal clamp and using both hands to pull the line while holding the By ROBERT SPENCER pump. 9. Remove pump from engine compartment. n my way home from work last cotter pin that I used to punch out the Onight I got a phone call from the sheared pin and put it in it’s’ place but VACUUM PUMP INSTALLATION local chapter here in Vancouver, WA. it obviously doesn’t fit correctly. It is They wanted to know if we could haul a verrryyyyyslooooooow process of 1. Position new pump inside engine a shelter trailer from Stevenson, WA to turning the handle but eventually get compartment. Lyle, WA because of the evacuations the trailer on the rig. So now it’s about 2. Install vacuum line onto new vacuum from the fires. I got home about 6:30PM 9:45PM and we have the trailer hooked pump and tighten metal clamp. and geared up to go. Grabbed the up and are ready to roll. Oh, I forgot to 3. Attach vacuum pump to mounting bracket kids and wife and we headed out by tell you about the deputy that showed with 3 attaching bolts and 1/2” socket 7:00PM. We had to meet a Sheriffs up in the middle of this making sure that and ratchet wrench. deputy in Stevenson to get the key to a we were not breaking into the place. 4. Tighten bolts 1/4 turn past snug. yard where the trailer is stored with their That’s another story though! So off we 5. Position pulley onto end of vacuum pump search and rescue trailer. Mind you this go to Lyle, about another 30 miles up pulley shaft. entire trip is 79 miles one way on windy the windy gorge but with a trailer. It 6. Attach the pulley installer from the pulley roads up HWY 14 along the Columbia was actually pretty cool going through puller/installation tool kit. River. We make it to Stevenson without all the tunnels on the way. Especially • Ensure centering screw is threaded all me pulling my hair out due to following when there was a semi coming the other the way into the vacuum pump shaft and semi trucks up the winding road and no way! We make it to Lyle and the first is snug (shaft will begin to turn). passing lanes. We meet the deputy, thing wee see is every news agency 7. Turn the press on the installation tool get the key and were off to the trailer in the area. Their vans are parked off centering screw by hand until it is up dump. It’s now getting dark out, we the side of the roads. We then make it against the pulley. have no idea where we are but we to the Lyons Community Center where 8. Eyeball the pulley and make sure it is eventually find the trailer. Sonya gets the Red Cross is setting up. There are square on the shaft. the H2 backed up to it, I get out to drop fire trucks everywhere, the town is 9. Install pulley on shaft with wrenches until the trailer on the hitch, start to crank the basically blacked out and some roads the face of the pulley is flush with the handle on the swing away trailer stand are closed. It looks like the scene out face of the shaft. and the handle comes off in my hand. So of a movie. Anyway we pull up to the 10. Remove installation tool. I’m standing there looking at this handle community center, our friends are there 11. Attach rubber connector at in my hand wondering what the heck I’m cheering us on for finally making it and Turbo Actuator. gonna do now. I put the handle back into then it sets in that we need to get this 12. Reinstall serpentine belt. the stand and try to crank it down but it trailer off of our vehicle before we can just spins and nothing happens. Mind go anywhere!! Nobody has a jack tall you I was in a hurry when we left and enough to get it off! But we now have grabbed two rescue bags but no tool tools!! The lead Red Cross guy gets his kit!! So I take the top of the stand off, tool kit and we go to work manufacturing grab a flashlight and start inspecting. a pin for the stinking handle. Fire trucks Somehow the pin in the handle that are roaring by as we’re working away!! attaches to the gears has been sheared Pretty cool! It only took us about off! Ok, so now I start thinking how in the another 30 minutes before we got the heck am I going to get this damn trailer thing off the H2. So now I have no idea down. I look at the handle and can see what time it is...really don’t care at this that the pin goes all the way through point, we’ve accomplished our mission, but is flush with the handle. Sonya got free snacks from the Red Cross and grabs a cotter pin from the extra hitch we are on our way back home. We get in the trailer and I start pounding on the home about 2:00AM, greasy, knuckles sheared pin with the cotter pin and hitch. all cut up, but we’ve done a good thing. I eventually get it out.....whew. I take the Ain’t life grand!! H

AZIMUTH 29 TECH TIP BY DAVE BREGGIN

Chassis Lube

Description Chassis Lube and “Oil Can Points” are lubricated as part of the “A” Service. Under “Severe Operating Conditions”, the Chassis Lube should be performed daily.

Related Tasks Some of the grease points are listed on the “Per Wheel Checklist”.

Special Tools Grease Gun Illustration 1 – Ball Joint Grease Fittings Jack

Fluids Required

Type Specification Quantity

Grease Standard chassis grease

White Grease White Lithium grease

Silicone Silicone spray Illustration 2 – Inner Tie Rod End Grease Fitting Illustration 2 – Inner Tie Rod End Grease Fitting

Notes / Special Instructions • When replacing any parts with grease fit- • The owner’s manual describes and lists both tings: grease fittings and “oil can points”. • Clean fittings before attaching grease gun to • Part must be greased before use. • A right-angle grease gun nozzle may be re- avoid forcing dirt through the fitting and into • Install part before adding grease. quired for access to some fittings. the joint. • Part may require large amount of grease • Refer to “Notes” section for “how much grease • How Much Grease Is Enough? on initial lubrication. is enough”. • On ball-type joints (Ball Joints, Tie Rod • Normally Aspirated (non-turbo) Hummers also Ends), add grease until it begins to inflate have a grease fitting on the throttle pedal List of Grease Fittings the boot, or until it begins to leak out. where it passes through into the engine com- • Ball Joints (8) • On U-joints, add grease until it begins to partment. This fitting is for use upon instal- • Upper and Lower at each wheel (Illustra- leak, or until a “popping” or “crackling” lation and after extended fording operations tion 1). Some 1995 and earlier ball joints sound is heard. (It is desirable to add only. It is not included by AMG on the list of do not have grease fittings. grease until all four caps are leaking to en- lube fittings for the “A” Service. • Tie Rod Ends (6) sure that all of the bearings are lubricated. • AMG recommends that, under “Severe Op- • Inner at each front wheel (Illustration 2). This is not always possible, however.) erating Conditions”, the Hummer be lubed • Outer at each wheel (Illustration 3). • On Slip Joints, add a small amount of more frequently than the “A” Service sched- • Front Drive Shaft (5) grease only. These joints do not usually ule (about every 1500 miles or 50 hours of • 3 U-joints. require much grease, and overfilling them operation). This is particularly important for • 2 Slip Joints. can cause problems. the steering and suspension parts. Extended • Rear Drive Shaft (2) • On Pivot Joints (idler arm), add grease until highway driving, and off-highway driving are • 2 U-joints. be begins to leak out. both considered “severe operation”. • Idler Arm (2) • Clean excess grease from fitting and boot • Pitman Arm (1) areas when finished. Procedure • Steering Shaft (3) • If a joint will not accept grease without ex- • U-joint near Steering Gear, under hood. cessive force: Overview • U-joint under dash. • Try flexing or unloading the joint. • Oil Can Points should be lubricated with Sili- • Slip joint under dash (not present on all • Make sure that the grease fitting is not cone Spray or a Spray Lubricant, except as trucks). plugged. noted. • Tire Carrier pivot (if equipped, varies individu- • If necessary, remove the grease fitting and • It may be necessary to rotate the drive shafts ally). clean it. and/or the steering shaft to gain access to • Can Carrier pivot (if equipped, varies indi- some of the grease fittings. Rotating the drive vidually). shaft is described later in this section. • Swiveling Pintle Hook (if equipped, varies in- dividually).

30 AZIMUTH Illustration 3 – Outer Tie Rod End Grease Fitting

List of Oil Can Points

Spray Lubricant • Hood Hinges. • Tailgate Hinges (if equipped). • Barn Door Hinges, Latches, Levers (if equipped). • Door Hinges, Latches, Levers. • Mirror Break-away. • CTIS fittings

Silicone Spray • Shift Lever Boots (inside cab). • Parking Brake Lever & Boot (inside cab). • Brake Pedal. • 2 pivot points. • Brake Piston pivot and boot. • Transmission Shift Linkages (under truck). • Transfer Case Sift Linkage (under truck).

Hood Stops (2). • Use White Grease. • Side stops (near hood latches). • Lightly coat mating surfaces.

Rotating Drive Shaft 1. Chock a wheel that is not being lifted. 2. Place transfer case shifter in N (neutral). 3. If rotating the rear drive shaft, do not set the parking brake. 4. Raise tire off ground. • Refer to Tire/Wheel Assembly section for procedure. • To rotate front drive shaft, lift one front wheel. • To rotate rear drive shaft, lift one rear wheel. 5. Slowly rotate lifted wheel until grease fitting on drive shaft is accessible. THINGS DON’T ALWAYS GO AS PLANNED

{ Mirror Gulch, Metal Masher trail, Moab, Utah, June 15, 2010 } BEWARE! Mirror Gulch is an H3 Eater!!

After several attempts to climb this ledge, the vehicles allowing one strap in front and one behind to trail to start off with if you have not been off-road owner tried too much acceleration and started get off the trail faster. It’s already going to be a long for a while. bouncing. We all heard that sound that makes you haul since the H3 no longer has 4WD. Just because you’ve been to Moab before on difficult cringe and groan. Now you need to determine where you are going trials does not mean you will not have problems The H3 was pulled back off the obstacle to the most to get your H3 fixed. Do you have a warranty? Do driving the next difficult trail. flat area off the trail for initial triage. The result was you leave it in Moab or try to transport it back to a Just because the guy ahead of you made it up a tough a trashed transfer case, trashed front differential, dealer? In this case, the owner did have a warranty obstacle, and maybe several before them made it, and a broken rear axle. The rear axle was the most and did have a friend haul it back to the dealer for does not mean you are going to make it. Everyone devastating because the H3 could not be recovered. repairs. There were a number of factors that lead to has a different style of driving and not everyone will No one had a spare axle in the group. After thorough this OOPS. be exactly on the same line. Not everyone has the diagnostics, the H3 had to be locked up and left for It is not recommended to work all day then drive all same equipment. the night on the trail. night to get to Moab to catch up with the rest of If you start to spin, STOP. Re-evaluate the situation. Next difficulty is finding parts you need. An axle had your group. Fatigue takes a toll. Be well rested to help You many need another line. If you start to bounce, to be shipped to Moab. After a day delay, you then make good decisions. STOP! Hang time is never good. Any number of things get to find two friends who will go back out to put The adrenaline rush from being in Moab puts you in a can snap when a spinning tire in the air comes back in the new axle and recover your H3. You need two crazed state of mind. It’s always good to do an easy down and abruptly stops. H

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