Can I repack my own wheel bearings?
I greased the front-wheel bearings of my International Scout a few times 50 years ago, but I have not looked at a wheel bearing since. Every year, I pay to have my fifth-wheel bearings repacked, but I...
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I would get the part # for the seals and bearings from your axle manufacturer. When you take your old seals and bearings to the local auto parts store they will substitute the OEM parts for whatever they have on the shelf. I just did it 2 months ago and told myself this is the last time. I got my Dexter seal # and Timken bearing numbers. Next time it will be OEM or better quality ordered from Amazon.
Go get a bearing and seal installation tool kit, from Harbor Freight. Put the bearing races in the freezer overnight and they will go in easier. Packing a bearing is easier than falling off a log. And, get you about 6 inches of 1/2" brass bar stock to hammer the old races out. Clean any brass shards out of the hub cavity well. Buy an extra seal in case you bugger one up installing. I like to put a fair amount (tablespoon?) of grease between the seal and the inboard bearing. Hit the seal area with some sandpaper to clean any burrs off. Don't get too carried away with it though.
Most important is clean clean clean. Your hands, the bearings, the spindle, etc.
You've seen those knuckles draggers at the RV shop getting paid to pack bearings. You can do it.
Go get a bearing and seal installation tool kit, from Harbor Freight. Put the bearing races in the freezer overnight and they will go in easier. Packing a bearing is easier than falling off a log. And, get you about 6 inches of 1/2" brass bar stock to hammer the old races out. Clean any brass shards out of the hub cavity well. Buy an extra seal in case you bugger one up installing. I like to put a fair amount (tablespoon?) of grease between the seal and the inboard bearing. Hit the seal area with some sandpaper to clean any burrs off. Don't get too carried away with it though.
Most important is clean clean clean. Your hands, the bearings, the spindle, etc.
You've seen those knuckles draggers at the RV shop getting paid to pack bearings. You can do it.
