bearing and castel nut question?

[plasticmaster]

I'm cleaning and repacking the bearings on my TT and noticed the grease had turned a pinkish orange color instead of the normal bright red. I then noticed that there was water around the spindle and nut as I turned the wheel. I cleaned everything up and all looks well except that the castel nut has some rust on it, but not near the threads. Do I need to buy a new nut or can I reuse this one and coat it with plenty of grease?
Thanks.

[CavemanCharlie]

To answer your question you do not have to replace the nut. It would not hurt to use a little sand paper and rub the rust off but, I don't think it will make any difference.

[Coolerman]

Maybe the dust cap was leaking or not seated all the way? Do you use a pressure washer to clean the wheels? I have a 2500 PSI unit and have seen water get past the dust seals when cleaning them. In MY case, it's never enough to cause issues as the water will evaporate when the bearings get up to temp.

[plasticmaster]

sch911 wrote:
I'ts most likely condensation build up. Pretty normal.

Why would only one of the four hubs have condensation build up?

[sch911]

I'ts most likely condensation build up. Pretty normal.

[plasticmaster]

I'll be installing a brand new seal and dust cap. That should take care of water intrusion, right?

[Coolerman]

Re-use it, but do find out how the water got in. That's why the grease turned pink, water was mixing with it.