Wheel Bearing Felts

[briand]

What are these for? Bearing preload?

Why do they need grease? Heat protection?

Can I coat them with Mobil 28 instead of the SHC 100 that the bearings come packed in?

TIA.

[alpinelakespilot2000]

I'm going off the top of my head, but I think the instructions (either Van's or Cleveland) say to saturate them with motor oil, not bearing grease. Don't know why if this is true, and not sure what the felt seals are for to begin with (except perhaps to keep the bearing clean). Probably not much help, I know. I'm definitely interested in hearing the answers.

[gasman]

The felt is a reusable dust seal. When you go to pack the wheel bearings, clean the felt in solvent or dawn dish soap. Dry between paper towels and a heat gun or hair dryer. Then drop about 10 to 15 drops of oil, thin is good like air tool oil. then remove excess by pressing between paper towel. Good to go.

Oh! by the way, the best grease I have found for the bearings is STA-LUBE BOAT TRAILER WHEEL BEARING GREASE. Found at NAPA AUTO PARTS. The first time you use it you will understand. And when you go to repack them, you will be pleased at how the grease holds up.

And be sure to pack the new bearings before you install them.

[briand]

I pulled the bearings and just packed them better with the grease they came with. It looked like Parker just gobbed a bunch of grease on each bearing and installed it in the hub. I would like to add a little more grease but that can be done easily without splitting the wheels again.

This is from a Parker document:
INSTRUCTIONS: At next tire change or overhaul remove and discard the grease felts. Thoroughly clean wheel assembly and completely remove the contained grease from the bearings, bearing bore and hub per Component Maintenance Manual. Refer to
AWBCMM0001, latest issue, for grease packing instructions. Pack bearings with
Mobile SHC-100. Install new felt grease seals lubricated with Mobile SHC-100.

http://www.parker.com/ag/wbd/clevela...duct/PRM78.pdf

[gasman]

Originally Posted by briand

I I would like to add a little more grease but that can be done easily without splitting the wheels again.

http://www.parker.com/ag/wbd/clevela...duct/PRM78.pdf

You only need to split the rim when you need to change the tube and tire.

[briand]

I had to install the original tires and tubes that came with the finish kit. I packed the bearings prior to installing the tires and tubes. I guess I was just trying to say its not a big deal to grease the bearings again, not that installing the tires and tubes was a big deal either.

[Jekyll]

Originally Posted by briand

I pulled the bearings and just packed them better with the grease they came with. It looked like Parker just gobbed a bunch of grease on each bearing and installed it in the hub. I would like to add a little more grease but that can be done easily without splitting the wheels again.

This is from a Parker document:
INSTRUCTIONS: At next tire change or overhaul remove and discard the grease felts. Thoroughly clean wheel assembly and completely remove the contained grease from the bearings, bearing bore and hub per Component Maintenance Manual. Refer to
AWBCMM0001, latest issue, for grease packing instructions. Pack bearings with
Mobile SHC-100. Install new felt grease seals lubricated with Mobile SHC-100.

http://www.parker.com/ag/wbd/clevela...duct/PRM78.pdf

A close reading of this and the Parker Technical Manual show the requirement to replace the felt is refering to instances when changing the type of grease to their new recommended grease of Mobile Aviation Grease, SHC 100 to avoid contamination with previouse lubricants. They started shipping wheels in 3/07 with the new grease. They require the grease be changed to the new type at the next required exposure of the bearings. Of course, this is written with an eye to type certified equipment.

Jekyll

[kinger]

Spoke to Parker (Clevland) today for the 5 x 5 wheel assemblies pn: 40-78B. The felt pad pn: 154-00600 is being replaced with a new rubber pad pn: 154-13000.

Parker (Cleveland) 800-272-5464

http://www.parker.com/literature/Aircraft%20Wheel%20&%20Brake%20Division/Product%20Reference%20Memos/PRM97.pdf