Date:         Sun, 9 Jun 2002 13:56:36 -0500
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <j_rodgers@CHARTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <j_rodgers@CHARTER.NET>
Subject:      Re: Wheel bearings - how tight
Comments: To: Todd Last <Rubatoguy@MINDSPRING.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Todd Last wrote:

>  how much grease should you pack in with the bearings? SHould you
> grease the spindle with gobs - or just a thin coat?

I apply what I learned in aviation mechanics to this particular task.

Wash the bearings out really good with a solvent. Use a little compressed
air to blow them dry.

NEVER, EVER spin the bearing with the compressed air. Spinning without
lube grease will cause instant ruined bearings, by pitting  the bearing
race and the bearing surface.

Put a gob of grease on the heal of your left hand (I'm right-handed), and
with your other hand hold the bearing assembly so the small cone opening
is up and the larger side down. Press the edge of the bearing in to the
grease. Rotate slightly and repeat. Go round and round until the grease
begins to come out between the rollers and race. Once plenty of grease
squeezes through, smear some around on the back side so you have a good
coverage and you are ready to install. The rest is pretty straight
forward.

And then there are the pneumatic  pressurized bearing grease
injectors.........

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

>
>
> thanks,
>
> Todd
>
> '88 Vanagon