Never lube bearings

fj12ryder wrote:

neal10a wrote:
I feel "never lube" and "easy lube" bearings provide a false sense of security. The old tried and true hand packed bearings are the best way to go for me. One has to remove the hubs once a year to inspect the brakes, so it is nothing to inspect the bearing and hand pack them at the same time. BTY I use the brass drift punch to replace the races. However it would be easier with a seal/race removal set if one can find one that fits the races for a 6/7000 lb axle. I have not found a source for that tool and if anyone knows where to get one I would be most interested. Seems like Harbor Freight, Sears and NAPA don't carry ones the work for 6/7000 lb axles.

FWIW a brass drift is not the best tool to use for installing bearings. Brass can flake/chip off and get into the bearings. A soft steel drift is a better choice. I've seen quite a few open bearings ruined because someone used a brass drift.

Maybe I am missing what you are trying to say about using a brass drift punch, what does a drift punch have to do with the bearing install other knocking out the race ? At that point you are replacing race ,and bearing, and everything is going to be cleaned up . I completely clean the hub before replacing the race ,and the bearing. I certainly don't use a drift punch of any kind to replace the race, and if I did then a little air would probably take care of any flaking that may occur. As I said I may have missed your point, but have used a brass drift on many occasions to remove the race with no issues.