Wheel Bearings - cleaning

boblaps · #1 11-12-2010, 07:56 PM

Wheel bearing question: what type of solvent works on wheel bearings to clean out old grease before applying new? Tips on "how to" would be helpful. BL RV-7A

videobobk · #2 11-12-2010, 08:05 PM

I have always used gasoline. It seems to do the job with little cost/danger and I have watched A&Ps do it for years. Let them soak for a while, then swish them around and rotate them. Rinse-repeat (I read that somewhere.)

Bob Kelly

gasman · #3 11-13-2010, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boblaps

Wheel bearing question: what type of solvent works on wheel bearings to clean out old grease before applying new? Tips on "how to" would be helpful. BL RV-7A

Cleaning solvent works like gas just safer. a gallon of solvent will last for about 10 years of cleaning bearings on your RV. Kept in a small bucket with a secured lid. Clean them in the bucket. The dirt and grease will settle down.

I have also used GUNK engine cleaner. Best to take a paper towel and wipe off as much grease as you can. With GUNK, you rinse with water so you will want to dry with hot air and re-grease right away.

Don,t forget to inspect the bearing and the races. You should find no pits or flaws.............. if so, replace. They are cheap and can be purchased at any bearing house.

The grease that I have used for the past 30 years is from NAPA AUTO PARTS. The brand is STA-LUBE and it is for boat trailers!!!!! Amazing grease. You will understand when you pull the bearings to clean them for the first time. I have never had to replace a bearing....... three aircraft..

RV10Man · #4 11-13-2010, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gasman

Cleaning solvent works like gas just safer. a gallon of solvent will last for about 10 years of cleaning bearings on your RV. Kept in a small bucket with a secured lid. Clean them in the bucket. The dirt and grease will settle down.

I have also used GUNK engine cleaner. Best to take a paper towel and wipe off as much grease as you can. With GUNK, you rinse with water so you will want to dry with hot air and re-grease right away.

Don,t forget to inspect the bearing and the races. You should find no pits or flaws.............. if so, replace. They are cheap and can be purchased at any bearing house.

The grease that I have used for the past 30 years is from NAPA AUTO PARTS. The brand is STA-LUBE and it is for boat trailers!!!!! Amazing grease. You will understand when you pull the bearings to clean them for the first time. I have never had to replace a bearing....... three aircraft..

Used the same bearings on all three aircraft? Amazing.

.....Just kidding.

Marshall Alexander

Bob Martin · #5 11-13-2010, 05:25 AM

The solvent I use is Mineral Spirits....you can find at most any paint dept, aviation isle. :-)
I really like the idea of using a seal-able can and reuse the solvent!

turbo · #6 11-13-2010, 06:27 AM

i use a different approach. i wipe them off, inspect, then push new grease thru with a bearing holder that accepts grease thru a grease nipple. wipe off excess and install. latex gloves work best for the hand mess. go fly. still using same bearings after 3,800 hours. brake discs replaced a couple tears ago.

islandmonkey · #7 11-13-2010, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbo

---snip--- brake discs replaced a couple tears ago.

Yes, the cost of new discs on my Cub made me cry too.

JonJay · #8 11-17-2010, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbo

i use a different approach. i wipe them off, inspect, then push new grease thru with a bearing holder that accepts grease thru a grease nipple. wipe off excess and install. latex gloves work best for the hand mess. go fly. still using same bearings after 3,800 hours. brake discs replaced a couple tears ago.

...or compatible base....

Rick6a · #9 11-18-2010, 03:52 PM

There is a school of thought out there that asserts deep cleaning a bearing with a solvent prior to repacking it with new grease is actually worse on the bearing than simply displacing the old grease with new. I am inclined to agree but with only 300 hours of operational service on the original bearings fitted to my -6A, I have no long term experience to back that opinion up with. So I ask this....giving periodic repacking, how long can one reasonably expect a set of bearings to last?

John Clark · #10 11-18-2010, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick6a

So I ask this....giving periodic repacking, how long can one reasonably expect a set of bearings to last?

With a little maintenance, the life of the airplane. In a previous discussion of wheel bearings I did a little math and found that my airplane averaged something under 150 miles per year rolling on the gear, or about 10% the average distance traveled by an automobile. When was the last time you serviced the wheel bearings on your car? The only difference is the ineffective felt seals on most aircraft wheels that can let moisture in (and a little grease out.) If there is no sign of contamination like water of grit, inspect and repack 'em and go for another year.

John Clark ATP, CFI
FAA FAAST Team Member
EAA Flight Advisor
RV8 N18U "Sunshine"
KSBA