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TR6 TR6 - how to pack front wheel bearings?

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ichthos

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I need help with the basics again. I am going to repack my front wheel bearings. I was meticulous in cleaning all parts. I know you press greese into the bearings before you install them, but do you need to fill the hub with greese also? Does it really matter what kind of grease you use? I noticed that the bearing grease I have is not for those with disk brakes. Do these bearings tend to get hotter and need a special greese? Any tips would greatly be appreciated.

Kevin
 
ichthos said:
do you need to fill the hub with greese also?
Click to expand...
There are differing theories on that. Some books say to pack the hub, others don't. I don't see any reason to do it, no way is that excess grease going to help the bearings, and IMO it increases the chance of grease being forced through the felt to find it's way onto the brakes. So what I do is to just slather the bearing cones generously, so that some grease overflows on assembly. This forms a small dam of grease that may help keep grease inside the bearings if the bearings should get hot enough to liquify the grease.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:] Does it really matter what kind of grease you use? I noticed that the bearing grease I have is not for those with disk brakes. Do these bearings tend to get hotter and need a special greese? [/QUOTE]If you don't drive hard, it probably makes no difference at all. But the theory at least is that the disk brakes can put more heat into the hub than drums can (because the metal path to the hub is thicker).

A tub of 'disc' bearing grease shouldn't be more than $7 or so at your FLAPS; and can be used for general purpose lubrication as well. I've been using the stuff from Sta-Lube that also contains graphite and MoS2.
https://www.autoparts2020.com/rsdev/part_detail.jsp?PART_HDR_ID=7281
 
I've been packing wheel bearings like this for a gazillion years. Messy, but fun.
grin.gif
 
One other thing Kevin, if you are going to replace the felt seal, be warned that new ones are sometimes too thick and interfere with setting the bearing clearance. IMO it's best to do a trial installation without the felt to set the clearance, then mark the nut location so you can put it back after installing the felt.
 
Thanks. I had thought about replacing the felt pads and bearing retainers, but they look OK, so I figured why mess with it. I am always leary of new parts anyway. I located some NOS on Ebay, but I am anxious to get things going. Well, now I get to see who is open on Memorial Day. Thanks again,

Kevin
 
Hello All

Does the felt seal go on dry or does one apply a little grease to this very thick seal?

Pat
 
I put them on dry.
 
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