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alexey75's avatar
alexey75
Explorer
Apr 25, 2021

Can I use this bearing?

I am doing my first bearing repack. Here are few pictures of bearing and race.

https://ibb.co/kcT55Sx
https://ibb.co/t8J92fq

There is some discolouration inside the bearing.
Can I continue using it?
Unfortunately during this season we won’t travel a lot, probably around 1,000 miles.

I hope it will be safe to tow it this year and I will replace these next year.

22 Replies

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  • JRscooby's avatar
    JRscooby
    Explorer II
    Apr 27, 2021
    dodge guy wrote:
    I always put some in that cavity. Air won’t hurt it and will aid in living if need be.


    It's yours, you can do what you want, but I wonder if you could explain your logic in putting grease in there?
  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Apr 27, 2021
    I always put some in that cavity. Air won’t hurt it and will aid in living if need be.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Apr 26, 2021
    alexey75 wrote:
    There is some space between inner and outer bearings.
    Was I supposed to fill this space with the grease?


    No, just pack some reserve just inside and outside each bearing. Don't forget to add some grease between the two lips of the seal to reduce wear on it.
  • JRscooby's avatar
    JRscooby
    Explorer II
    Apr 26, 2021
    alexey75 wrote:
    Thank you all!
    Cleaned all the bearings this morning, looks good.

    I have another question. There is some space between inner and outer bearings.
    Was I supposed to fill this space with the grease?


    When I was taught how to pack bearings, (By Dad, late '50s, when the grease had to hold rollers in place while assembling) grease between the bearings is just wasted grease.
    GM Training Center, late '60s, we where taught that space should be MT, so as bearing, and more important brakes, heat the area there will be less pressure on the seal.
    Which will have least friction, steel moving past steel with 1/4 inch of air, or that same 1/4 inch full of heavy grease?
  • alexey75's avatar
    alexey75
    Explorer
    Apr 26, 2021
    Thank you all!
    Cleaned all the bearings this morning, looks good.

    I have another question. There is some space between inner and outer bearings.
    Was I supposed to fill this space with the grease?
  • JRscooby's avatar
    JRscooby
    Explorer II
    Apr 26, 2021
    MFL wrote:
    I agree ^^^^^

    OP...you did a good job with pics!

    Jerry


    No matter how good the pic, or for that matter the eye, you can only see a limited number of rollers, and a limited area on each roller. Before I could say "this is good" I must see all sides of all rollers.
    But some might be better mechanics than me. I wonder how many only inspect part of the bearings they install on their snot.
  • Huntindog's avatar
    Huntindog
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2021
    BurbMan wrote:
    Huntindog wrote:
    Clean them up perfectly and examine them with an eyeloupe.


    Not something typically in the driveway toolbox. Just replace the bearings, grease properly and be sure not to over torque the axle nut when you re-install.
    They are very handy. Affordable too at Harbor Freight.. 3 or 4.00. for the set.
  • BurbMan's avatar
    BurbMan
    Explorer II
    Apr 25, 2021
    Huntindog wrote:
    Clean them up perfectly and examine them with an eyeloupe.


    Not something typically in the driveway toolbox. Just replace the bearings, grease properly and be sure not to over torque the axle nut when you re-install.

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