Don't have an account yet? You can create one. As a registered user you have some advantages like theme manager, comments configuration and post comments with your name.
I have seen lots of bearing failures on customer's machines. Mostly rear wheel bearings that failed because of dirt , too much pressure washing, and lack of lubrication. Ball bearings rarely seize up. They usually get loose and eventually will fall apart. At that point the rider will notice and shut the machine down. Ball bearings that do seize up usually are the ones that are subjected to water and non-use. When the machine is once again put into use the bearing is seized from rusting in place.
Joined: Dec 26, 2007 Posts: 1281 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2011 7:47 am Post subject:
Bentwheel wrote:
Well I managed to grease my wheel bearings without having to remove them. I picked at the shield with a small screw driver to make an opening. I pressed almost 2 ml of grease into the bearing through the shield opening. I tapped the shield with a socket to close up the opening. I think it's going to work, what do you think?
What do I think? I think you've damaged a perfectly good bearing with a totally unnecessary and, frankly, a ham-fisted repair of something that wasn't broken. If the bearing was rough or noisy, replace it. If it feels good, leave it alone. Sealed bearings are so popular, because you never need to (and shouldn't) screw with them. The grease isn't going to get "old" unless a damaged seal allows the oil in the grease to run out, leaving the dried out soap base behind. You've now damaged the seal, so the new grease is likely to escape, and dirt or moisture may get in, causing the bearing to fail. The grease in sealed bearings is a very light grease, and whatever you pumped in may not be compatible with it. The bearings don't need to be packed solid, In fact, very little grease is required in a sealed bearing, so the fact that you got 2 ml more in doesn't mean it was low on grease.
Joined: Feb 15, 2007 Posts: 1356 Location: LaPorte, Indiana, USA
Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2011 8:33 am Post subject:
I have to pretty much echo Stu's sentiments. If it ain't broke.......
You can replace all 4 wheel bearings with new for about $20, usually in just a few minutes.
What you did is way too much trouble for me....... _________________ Bill Lane - CB200-CM200-CB450-C70M-CL350
"When your only tool is a hammer,
everything starts to look like a nail."
That bearing was a shielded bearing from what I can see in the picture. "Shielded" meaning there is no actual oil seal running against the race. I doubt any harm was done although I would not have done that type repair myself. Grease in bearings does go bad. It can dry out even in a good sealed bearing. Some of these vintage bikes are from the 60s and 70s heck even 1980 was 31 years ago. Grease dries up and is useless after a certain point. I agree that the bearings should be replaced.
All times are GMT - 6 Hours Goto page Previous1, 2
Page 2 of 2
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum You can attach files in this forum You can download files in this forum
