Can I repack my own wheel bearings?

I was a whole lot younger than 71 when I went to the bearing packer, don't remember when I did, its been many years. As far as the rest of the tools, they sounded interesting, I did take a look at them , but I never seem to have an issue with the grease seals, anyone that has done very many, finds a technique that works. I don't see the need for those tools, but I'm sure they work .

cummins2014 wrote:

I have changed plenty of races with the brass bar. I suppose a seal installation tool kit is nice ,although I have no idea what it is :) Never had an issue reinstalling grease seals. The one thing I don't do is pack the bearings by hand anymore, I use one of those bearing packers. IMO they do a better job, and a lot less messy, and quicker. Have done many with it, without issue. I know some are old school, but at 71, I guess I'm new school now, I packed bearings way too long by hand .

But as you said keep things clean. Also will take a look at that tool kit from Harbor Freight .

I've always done bearings by hand, but I recently replaced them on one of my boats and used the bearing packer tool/cup thingy and the seal insert tool. Never had more than a smidge of grease of my hands using those tools. Happy I didn't wait until I was 71 to learn that ;) ;)

To the OP's post...18 step guide you say???
remove hub
remove bearings
pack with grease
reinstall

14 beers later, I'm at 18 steps LOL

Yep, I am using Mobile 1 synthetic. Actually the bearing I'm working on is from when I rebuilt my Hensley hitch.
Barney

BarneyS wrote:
Here is how I pack my bearings. I know gloves should be worn but I don't do this stuff every day and it has not hurt me so far in my 82 years. It is too much fun getting all gooey and slippery! :B
Barney

Yup, now I remember why I went to a bearing packer. Maybe in 10 years when I am 82 I will go back to playing in the grease :B.

No one I believe has mentioned what grease they are using. I switched to whatever I grabbed off the shelve to Mobile 1 synthetic the last few years. Not the cheapest , but one recommended by Dexter if that means anything .

A very important step is to make sure everything is free of any dirt or grit. Get a little dirt or grit into your new bearing and you will be doing all over again soon.

Barney, You look like your having WAY TOO MUCH FUN with that grease in your palm...

SidecarFlip wrote:

time2roll wrote:
Nothing has changed much in 50 years. The grease is better and now we wear rubber gloves to keep the hands clean. Rest is the same. I agree every year is a bit much unless you run miles like a commercial carrier.

I never wear gloves, I like grease under my fingernails.:p

Just run your hands thru your hair to get the grease off.... it's just like using - "LB Butch Wax" from years ago!

:C

Here is how I pack my bearings. I know gloves should be worn but I don't do this stuff every day and it has not hurt me so far in my 82 years. It is too much fun getting all gooey and slippery! :B
Barney

Just from my years in the manufacturing industry, I would advise against using any brass as a drift to install bearings/seals, especially bearings. Brass will flake of and you may not see the chunks, and they will not do a bearing any good. Soft steel is less likely to flake off, and therefore works better. Someone mentioned cleaning up after using brass, but it's easier to just not use it in the first place. Some people use a socket that fits the race, but the chrome on the socket can be broken off and that's not good either. It's one of those deals where the proper tool for the job saves you from headaches later.

Hammer faces shouldn't be used to drive in steel races: hard hammer face against hard bearing is not good.

I'll use gloves every chance I can. Too many years of digging ground in grease and oil out from under my nails. Don't need that any more.

I’m in the do it by hand, don’t ware gloves category. I guess I would worry about the toxic properties if I did it all day every day... maybe. There is something satisfying about doing that job by hand, I remember my dad showing me how to do it and I can’t wait till my son is old enough so I can show him.