HEEYYYY RODNEY..... or anyone else...

[Rodney]

My turn to help..... they're "wet" bearings.  When the rear end's at the correct level and stuff's spinning.... slings oil out into the bearings.  You shouldda had at least some come out Rodney.  Learned that from JB.

Thanks Andy I never put a bearing in dry no matter if it is lubed or not. but after David asked I was not sure?? :?:  but yes they are lubed or wet as you say. Guess thats why the bearings will pit and rust after setting for long periods of time since they are not covered with heavy grease.
later gator

[Andy Illes]

Yeah, I'm with you... it's a good to pre-lube 'em, cuz they'd run dry for at least a few minutes till axle grease/oil got out there.

Just hadda get the passenger-side bearing done last week.  The axle JB put in had been stored on end, and you would NOT believe what the "uphill" bearing looked like!!!!!!!!  Amazing I made it back here with it.  When they pulled the axle to get at it, maybe a half cup of grease came out.... so I know it's "wet", like JB said.   Checked your level?

[Rastaman]

But if thats the case wouldnt the oil wash away the grease....i dont see mixing 2 lubes. as being effective....wouldnt the seal in the hub keep the oil out....(there is a seal right?)

[Rodney]

When I did my axle work I started with the one out of the parts RV I have. The oil could have been low I didn't pay any attention since I was replacing the oil seals and what ever esle it needed. when I assembled the axle has a tummy full of syntic oil so I am sure all is fine. That would explain why there wasn't much oil in the hubs since the parts home has been setting for many years. I don't do that much heavy axle work so this thread has been a good refresher course for us. When that kind of work comes up at the shop we send it to the machaincs. But I sure wouldn't pay what they charge for my personal work. I would rather do it myself and know its done right... well after a fashion {Darn Brakes} but purserverince paid off and I do have brakes now. Well I'll be right back I better go stomp on e'm again just to make sure LOL!!
Rodney

[Rodney]

But if thats the case wouldnt the oil wash away the grease....i dont see mixing 2 lubes. as being effective....wouldnt the seal in the hub keep the oil out....(there is a seal right?)

yes you are right after a while the hot oil will desolve the bearing grease and simply mix with the oil. The only seals are on the back side of the hub to keep the oil from the brake shoes. the oil would find it's way down the spindle of the axle to the end and fall in to the hub and work its way to the inner bearing. a person does need to take care and seal the floating axle shaft where it mates to the hub. Mine had gaskets and I also used a small amount of silicone for insurance.
Rodney

[Rastaman]

Not to beat this old horse to death...but..looking over you insructions on bearing replacement....the inner bearing has a seal that has to be removed...what does that seal do....its  not a retainer....but a seal right? therefore it must be sealing something....could that be why there are no gaskets on the axle flange.......enquireing minds want to know ...  :?
p.s...what you doing up o late Andy?

[Rodney]

The seal is pressed into the back side of the hub after the inner bearing is in place so the seal does keep the bearing from falling out but after the preload is set once the hub is tightened the inner bearing will seat on the shoulder of the axle housing and the inner seal will keep the oil from escaping toward the brakes or backing plate. it is important to not bump the seal on the threads of the outter axle support when installing the hub/break drum.
Rodney

[Rastaman]

Ok its coming together now....i think....i'll take your word for it
thanks mon....I will be doing the bearing/brake inspection/replacing task in the near future....just want to get a good understanding, the reason for inspecting was that the clipper had be parked for 5 years...and i guess i was hoping if it was a gease lubed bearing....it would be ok and i wouldn't have to mess with it......trying to sneak out of that pain in the butt task  
david

[Horst]

I'll second Andy - I don't know squat about rear end/wheel bearing repair - but I do know that they are indeed "wet" bearings (as well as needing to be greased when replaced/inspected) - this is why it is important to get the Clipper in the road and moving, and making some turns in both directions - it gets the rear end fluid out to the wheels.
This is how it was explained to me at least, by a trusted and knowledgeable mechanic.

[Rodney]

Yes one needs to drive the rig every few weeks keep things oiled. The axle I installed in my clipper is a perfect example.. when I bought the wrecked one  the owner gave me all of he repair invoices he had, the rear axle was rebuilt not to long before I bought it to the tune of 1200$ and change. included in the repair ring and pinion and all of the wheel bearings.. when I went back in the axle to check things out I found the inner bearings to be pitted some but mostly after cleaning them well and giving them a good feel they were rough and needed replaced. the mileage on the new axle was less than 1,000. If and when you need to replace any of the parts take them with you to the parts store to get the correct ones the first time. this would be a good time to pull the inspection cover and change the 90 wt.  I went with the Red Line brand a synthetic blend , hoping it to prolong the bearings, gears and maybe help the mileage a bit. Take your time and be careful those parts are heavy, have a good bottle jack to raise the clipper the one I have is a 10 ton which did the job nicely and use jack stands and block the thing up well before starting the work the clippers are HEAVY!!

have fun  

[Conrad]

your comment, "....could that be why there are no gaskets on the axle flange......." in your post on 11 August 05.  There is supposed to be a gasket on the axel flange.  I have seen rigs with grease tracks coming from under the flange due to no gasket/sealer.  They can be had at any parts store.  Don't get them wet before putting them on.  I used some gasket tack to keep them in place when I did my rear bearings and brakes.

[Conrad]

Oops, my last comment was for Rastaman.

btw, Rodney is right on in his description of how to do the rear bearings.   I did the same thing.  Them hubs is heavy!