| Author | Message | ||
     Leoallafila |
Is there a way to help the original bearings on my bike last longer, as in lubricating them, possibly without removing the tire. I was hoping there might be a way to slightly open the dust cover and spray an appropriate lubricant in there? | ||
| Etennuly |
About all you can really do without removing the wheel is to wipe the outside of the dust seals clean then coat them with an anti-sieze lube. It stays in place pretty well and helps to seal out water. Some have drilled a couple of small weep holes in the hub to allow air to pass to prevent moisture build up inside the hub. As far as I know I am the only one who has drilled the hub for a grease fitting filling the hub completely with marine grease to keep out water.  | ||
| Hughlysses |
You can remove the seals by CAREFULLY working something like a dental pick or O-ring pick between the lip of the seal and the inner race and then popping the seal out of the bearing. Some folks do this occasionally, add a little more grease to the bearings, and pop the seals back in. You might be able to do this without removing the wheels from the bike but it'd be difficult. | ||
| Paul56 |
As I see the problem, my rear wheel bearing failure was clearly caused by water intrusion into the hub. It could only leak around the O.D. of the bearing, through the seals or between the axle and I.D. of the bearing. There is no other leak path. So if there is water in the hub, removing the outer seal and repacking the bearing won't be effective. It would eventually leak into a bearing and ruin it anyway. I kind of like the idea of drilling one or two drain holes in the hub to keep it dry while riding. However, sitting parked in the rain on the side stand (as happened to mine) would still leave the left bearing vulnerable. I have begun a program of swapping in a freshly repacked set of bearings every 20k. | ||
| Ourdee |
I have decided to pop the seals prior to long trips and at every tire change to inspect the grease. If I see rust or water it is time for a new bearing. Maybe I will be able to afford a 2010 wheel next year. I'm still saving for a spare belt. Every time I get enough cash I buy tires. Ride ride ride |
