eieioh wrote:
I have just acquired a model KK460SS. I find in doing basic service, that the wheel bearings are sealed units. Any ideas as to how I can tell if they need replaced? I find no play. But, I also do not know how many miles are on this unit. The manual states they are warranted for three years. The unit is now 7 years old.
Thanks in advance.
eieioh,
Well Sir, while they're in many cases, supposed to be "lifetime", it doesn't always work out that way. I have replaced many "sealed" bearings on multiple apparatus, including autos, motorcycles, CAT ENGINE SERPENTINE TENSIONER AND IDLER bearings and much more. The first thing you need to remember here is, THEY'RE CHEAP! No matter what they cost, replacing them right now, while you're comfortable, at home, you're own tools, no emergency situations, better working conditions than if you had to do it, while on the road, (road side too), camp site, parking lot, back street, alley, etc. etc. etc.
Now, does it mean they're bad right now, nope, not at all. And, spinning a wheel bearing with a wheel and tire on, can MASK small noises and problems that can be sort of "muffled" or, dampened by the weight of the tire and wheel. On normal (tapered wheel bearings) bearings, obviously you can disassemble the hub, remove and clean all the bearings so that a very close inspection of each of the bearings can be observed for pitting, damage, flat spots etc.
But, you cannot see any of those in a sealed bearing. All you can really do is, remove the bearing from the hub and, spin it in your hands etc. while feeling it's action and, listening to hear if there's any form of issues. Will you find or hear any, well, only you can tell that. We cannot tell you if they're bad or good, based on just because it's a "sealed" bearing. Sealed bearings go bad all over the planet, all day long.
I'm not "dissing" anyone elses answers here. I'm only advising you to be cautious in this instance for a couple of reasons.
One, mainly because you just purchased this dolly and, really have no knowledge of it's treatment or, any real maintenance done on it. Second, you say it's warranty is three years but, it's SEVEN years old? Well, again, if it were me, no matter what they presented on as close of an inspection as you can do, I'd simply replace them.
That way, you will know for sure, just what kind of condition the most important part of that dolly is in without a doubt. Hope maybe some of this info helps. Your choice.
Scott
