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Sealed rear axle bearing?

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J

jcsb

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So I ordered and received from Moss a new rear axle bearing for my 60 3000 MK1. Interestingly enough it was sealed! Wondering what's going on? Started thinking about whether to use it or not. Not sure since even though it is packed internally with grease if that would hold up.

John
 
They are a fairly standard bearing-shop size so if it isn't a recognised bearing brand or is hugely expensive then you can get known quality ones elsewhere at reasonable cost. Pretty much all bearings have seals by default today, if you don't want them just pick them out.

I prefer to leave the seals in since the grease inside is a known quality and quantity which will outlast even the most determined owner. Probably doesn't make any real difference though. The downside of leaving them in is that no oil can get to the original seal so you have to pack the space around the seal with grease.

Andy.
 
jcsb said:
So I ordered and received from Moss a new rear axle bearing for my 60 3000 MK1. Interestingly enough it was sealed! Wondering

what's going on? Started thinking about whether to use it or not.-

Not sure since even though it is packed internally with grease if that would hold up.

John
Click to expand...

Yes as I think the bearing is sealed only on one side. This side faces the hub and drum and the inboard side receives its lubrication from the diff oil
 
Keoke said:
Yes as I think the bearing is sealed only on one side. This side faces the hub and drum and the inboard side receives its lubrication from the diff oil
Click to expand...

Nope, both sides were sealed. Wish I still had the original box.
John
 
jcsb said:
Nope, both sides were sealed. Wish I still had the original box.
John
Click to expand...

Well bearings are standard a bearing as I defined can be ordered from just about any bearing manufactured in USA all you need is the inscription off the original bearing.
 
Last edited:
Keoke said:
Well bearings are standard a bearing as I defined can be ordered from just about any bearing manufacturer all you need is the inscription off the original bearing.
Click to expand...

Keoke,
This was ordered as mentioned through Moss. I ordered another rear bearing (from Moss) and received a bearing (made in Taiwan) with no seals. Having been a engineer for the last 40 years I can tell you that their not doing a good job cross referencing the part number. The cross reference should note not only the size but the number of rolls, bearing type (roller or ball), seal configuration, precision type, and other considerations. I'm just noting that this is not being followed and should be watched. The problem with a seal bearing is that it's not serviceable without removing the seals. Not exactly easy in this case.
John
 
FWIW - the bearing is 45mm bore, 85mm dia., 23mm height. 2 rows of 12 balls, open on both sides. This is a picture of a probable original bearing I removed about 10 years ago. It has no markings. I see 45x85x23 bearings are sold on Amazon.

I would be reluctant to install a sealed bearing because it's different (introduces unknowns) and the original setup works very well indeed since the lower third of the bearing runs in a gear oil bath.

Bearing.JPG
 
Hi Steve,
Yep, I needed to change out the seal and decided to change the bearing at the same time. So I got to see what it was. I contact Moss to give them a heads up. I've gotten very efficient at removing the rear hub carrier. :mad:
John
 
Hi John, If you feel uncomfortable with a bearing from China or where ever it's from, simply write down the reference number off the original bearing outer race and buy a duplicate size Timkin bearing or a Japanese make NSK bearing. You can order from Berry Bearing direct or check to see if you have a Berry Bearing in your area.They will cross reference the part number for you. I worked most of my life in the machining and engineering field in the Large Web Press industry and With Mitsubishi Heavy Industry's. All the American and Japanese engineers, field service , and Machinist only use Timkin, or NSK bearings in our gear boxes and other related heavy machinery exclusively.... I would not settle for anything else!
 
drambuie said:
Hi John, If you feel uncomfortable with a bearing from China or where ever it's from, simply write down the reference number off the original bearing outer race and buy a duplicate size Timkin bearing or a Japanese make NSK bearing. You can order from Berry Bearing direct or check to see if you have a Berry Bearing in your area.They will cross reference the part number for you. I worked most of my life in the machining and engineering field in the Large Web Press industry and With Mitsubishi Heavy Industry's. All the American and Japanese engineers, field service , and Machinist only use Timkin, or NSK bearings in our gear boxes and other related heavy machinery exclusively.... I would not settle for anything else!
Click to expand...

The sealed bearing was from a major manufacturer who I trust, but is sealed. The Taiwan bearing I don't trust, at least not with me driving. Sourcing a quality bearing really isn't the issue here. I'm just noting the inconsistency I was getting from Moss. I have communicated with Moss and they are investigating it. I was told that they were purchased through Moss in Europe who sources it.

I have found a set of FAG bearings which are very high quality. The bummer is removing it again, but since all the pullers and tools are still out it's not that big a deal.

John
 
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