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Sometimes folks who are installing new wheel bearings mistakenly assume that the preservative coating that is on the new bearings is the lubricant -it is not. You do not need to wash a bearing before installation because the preservative is compatible with most lubricants, but you must lubricate the bearing before installation.
The tried and true method of filling the wheel bearing with wheel bearing grease is to put a small dab of the grease in the palm of one hand and holding the bearing in the other hand forcing the grease through the bearing from the large end to the small end.
Also, a commercially available mechanical grease packer which forces the grease through the bearing can be used. Excess grease should be smeared on the outside of the rollers.
Also, don't fill the space between the bearings with grease. Space is needed to allow room for the excess grease to be thrown from the bearing. Too much grease in the housing will cause excess churning of the grease and extremely high temperatures.
Those who wish to learn more about evaluating and maintaining bearings are encouraged to visit the Timken Tech Tip web site at http://www.timken.com/ products bearings/techtips.asp
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Reprinted from CASCO's November 2001, ThunderEnlightening
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