Packing hubs with grease

[Scott Marzahl]

When packing wheel bearings how much grease if any should you place in the hubs, I've seen then packed full and in some instances, very minimal.
Thanks in advance everyone.

[Joe L.]

Re: Packing hubs with grease

Scott-----

I recommend just packing a little "ridge" of grease behind the pressed in outer bearing races. This more-or-less serves to help "retain" the grease packed into the bearing. Filling the hub with grease serves no purpose, at all. The only grease that really matters is that which is packed into the bearing. If that grease "comes out", the grease in the hub is not going to replace it.

[Scott Marzahl]

Re: Packing hubs with grease

Thanks Joe, I didn't see how any centrifugal or centrepidal forces could make that grease go into the bearing. Packing the hubs must be a bubba practice.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: Packing hubs with grease

Excessive grease in bearings tends to create excess heat, which in turn can cause separation of the oil from the carrier. The oil will find its way past seals and usually manages to find its way onto brake components.

[Joe L.]

Re: Packing hubs with grease

Scott-----

Packing the hubs with grease makes folks "feel good" about the packing procedure. It makes them think that they've "got plenty of grease in there". However, as I mentioned, the grease does no good, at all, and as Ed mentioned, may even be detrimental.

The key to a good bearing repack, front or rear, is thoroughly cleaning the bearings and thoroughly and properly repacking them. Some folks like a "hand packed" bearing. I used to, too, but no more. I think that you can get a more thorough packing with a cone type bearing greasing tool and a grease gun. You have to be very careful, though, that you make sure that grease comes through the rollers around the COMPLETE circumference of the bearings. Of course, with a hand pack you need to do this, too, but it's much harder to ensure that this occurs. That's why I no longer hand pack bearings.

[bruce11495]

Re: Packing hubs with grease

Better to have TOO much than TOO little grease in the cavity. Excess grease will not cause excess heat and will not cause it to run out on the brakes. Tightening the nut to tight will cause this......
As for putting grease around the the rubber seal, this keeps the seal lubricated and to keep it from wearing prematurely.
Grease can be applied by hand or mechanically, they both work. The one method is less messy. Covering the bearing is all that is needed, when the car is placed back on the ground and moved, the weight of the car, 700+lbs/wheel, will squeeze the grease all the way around the bearing.
Hope that helps.........