Prevent stuck wheel bearings?

Ceemack · 10-08-2012, 09:38 AM

After a considerable struggle, I've finally gotten the old bearings out of my front hub so I can install fresh ones. The old ones were stuck so badly I had to cut them with a Dremel tool before the could be pounded out.

I'll have to replace these bearings again someday, so I'm trying to think of ways I could make it a bit easier.

Is there any reason not to spread a tiny amount of grease or anti-seize around the outside of the new bearings before they're installed?

D.T. · 10-08-2012, 10:43 AM

If the bearing is a press fit and tight, grease or anit seize would be fine! I put the stuff everywhere. Well not there...

Only bad thing is the grease collects dust and holds it. Make sure to use sealed bearings. Old skool is open or sheilded. Sealed mo bettah.

LuciferMutt · 10-08-2012, 10:50 AM

Should be fine. I use a light coat of grease on just about every new part that gets installed by sliding through something else.

Ceemack · 10-08-2012, 10:50 AM

Yeah, I've got sealed bearings to go in. Thanks.

indr · 10-08-2012, 11:32 AM

Spraying a little WD-40 between the bearing and where it sits and letting it seep in for 2 hours or so before trying to take them out also works.

ragtoplvr · 10-08-2012, 11:46 AM

I assume you heated the hub before driving out the bearings.

Rod

speedracertdi · 10-08-2012, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ragtoplvr

I assume you heated the hub before driving out the bearings.

Rod

^ This.

Ceemack · 10-09-2012, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ragtoplvr

I assume you heated the hub before driving out the bearings.

Rod

I did, but it didn't accomplish anything. Hence my desire to make it easier on myself next time.

disston · 10-10-2012, 11:39 AM

If the bearings are a press fit and the hub is supposed to be heated for removal and installation then I would do it that way. What does the manual say? What kind of bike is this? Putting the thinnest layer of grease somewhere where it doesn't belong will change the seating of those bearing races. Not much but it will change. Raising the bearing race will change bearing preload.

sailah · 10-10-2012, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ragtoplvr

I assume you heated the hub before driving out the bearings.

Rod

Put the bearings in the freezer overnight. This in addition to heating makes the job almost tool and beating free. Almost.

Yossarian™ · 10-10-2012, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailah

Put the bearings in the freezer overnight. This in addition to heating makes the job almost tool and beating free. Almost.

So true!

Freeze the bearing, heat the race.

Wear gloves.

ragtoplvr · 10-10-2012, 12:11 PM

I also put the spacer in the freezer. Makes it a tiny bit shorter so easier to seat the bearings without stressing the inner race.

Rod

10-08-2012, 09:38 AM	#1
Ceemack ^OP Adventurer Joined: Jan 2011 Oddometer: 50	Prevent stuck wheel bearings? After a considerable struggle, I've finally gotten the old bearings out of my front hub so I can install fresh ones. The old ones were stuck so badly I had to cut them with a Dremel tool before the could be pounded out. I'll have to replace these bearings again someday, so I'm trying to think of ways I could make it a bit easier. Is there any reason not to spread a tiny amount of grease or anti-seize around the outside of the new bearings before they're installed?

10-08-2012, 10:43 AM	#2
D.T. One wheel wonder... Joined: Aug 2004 Location: Moneyapolis, MN Oddometer: 6,302	If the bearing is a press fit and tight, grease or anit seize would be fine! I put the stuff everywhere. Well not there... Only bad thing is the grease collects dust and holds it. Make sure to use sealed bearings. Old skool is open or sheilded. Sealed mo bettah. __________________ "Tough times don't last, but tough people do." Robert A. Schuler

10-08-2012, 10:50 AM	#3
LuciferMutt Rides slow bike slow Joined: Aug 2008 Location: New(er) Mexico Oddometer: 9,522	Should be fine. I use a light coat of grease on just about every new part that gets installed by sliding through something else. __________________ You couldn't hear a dump truck driving through a nitro glycerin plant! Cobbie Award Winner

10-10-2012, 11:39 AM	#9
disston ShadeTreeExpert Joined: Mar 2011 Location: Silver Spring, Md Oddometer: 4,998	If the bearings are a press fit and the hub is supposed to be heated for removal and installation then I would do it that way. What does the manual say? What kind of bike is this? Putting the thinnest layer of grease somewhere where it doesn't belong will change the seating of those bearing races. Not much but it will change. Raising the bearing race will change bearing preload. __________________ Never memorize something you can look up. ---Albert Einstein

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10-08-2012, 11:32 AM	#5
indr Studly Adventurer Joined: Feb 2010 Location: BC Oddometer: 840	Spraying a little WD-40 between the bearing and where it sits and letting it seep in for 2 hours or so before trying to take them out also works.

10-08-2012, 11:46 AM	#6
ragtoplvr Beastly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2007 Location: S. W. Mssouri Oddometer: 4,547	I assume you heated the hub before driving out the bearings. Rod

10-10-2012, 12:11 PM	#12
ragtoplvr Beastly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2007 Location: S. W. Mssouri Oddometer: 4,547	I also put the spacer in the freezer. Makes it a tiny bit shorter so easier to seat the bearings without stressing the inner race. Rod