Date:         Thu, 5 Feb 2004 08:28:52 EST
Reply-To:     THX0001@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         George Goff <THX0001@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Stub Axle / Grease: Enough Is Too Much
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In a message dated 2/4/04 6:37:36 AM, RAlanen@AOL.COM writes:

<< As an option you can drill a hole in the  bearing box then install a grease
fitting and squirt some general purpose  grease in there to buy you some time
and use for preventive maintenance after  you've replaced the bearings. >>

Installing a grease fitting on the rear wheel bearing housing is not a good
idea because it is fraught with unwanted results.  First is the problem of
drilling the housing without getting any chips inside.  Even if that is manage to
be done successfully, then in order to effectively renew the wheel grease
through such a grease fitting would require pumping enough grease into it to first
fill every internal void.  The excess grease would work its way past the
seals demanding a good cleaning of the resulting mess contained within the brake
drum.

The real problem is that even after the clean up, this overly abundant
application of grease would be churned out with use and likely contaminate the rear
brake shoes.  I'm reminded of an old advertising jingle: a little dab will do
'ya.

George