[VAC] Re: Re Packing Wheel Bearings

[jim clark <jec1938@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>My 1976  Airstream Service manual says to remove the inner bearing and
>grease seal, clean in kerosene, repack with grease and reinstall with a new
>grease seal.
>
>Is this overkill?  Or is it OK to simply repack the bearings (without
>washing) and without replacing the grease seal?

I have noticed that wheel bearing greases have different bases and are not 
compatible with each other... I assume the grease breaks down or loses its 
cling properties...thus the need to clean out which also washes any grit or 
chips out...



>How available [locally] are these grease seals?  Do most auto parts jobbers
>or stores carry them?  If so, what make/model should I ask for?  Ditto for
>the bearings.

If the old seals have a number impressed in the metal, it's fairly easy for 
an auto parts store to cross reference... unfortunately the newer seals 
have a number printed on the seal that rubs off and the clerk has to go by 
measurements...I was told to write the number down where I would not lose 
it and I thought I'll just save a box... now I can't remember where I put 
the box....When you set your new seals in, use a piece of metal or wood 
that spreads the force around the whole seal... they can dent and deform to 
the point where you have to chuck it and start over...


Jim Clark

jec1938@corecomm.net  78 -23' Safari... (whish I had a 25'... I think 
that's called 2' itis...boaters catch the same disease...)