Rear Whl. Bearing Lubrication

[Tim Keeler]

I'm getting ready to grease the rear wheel bearings on my '73 and I need clarification on a couple of things. I have had the greasing tool for a long time. About 15 years ago, one of the techs. at the dealership I worked at used it on my car. However, I can't remember how he set it up. There's nothing pertaining to this operation in my 73 shop manual. 1. After I disconnect the 1/2 shafts, remove the spindle nut and washer, does the tool mount on the spindle flange? 2. Do I rotate the tool to spread the grease evenly ? 3. Much grease should I use ? Any further thoughts or tricks doing this job would be appreciated.

Thanks, Tim 26883

[Tony H.]

Re: Rear Whl. Bearing Lubrication

Tim,

I, too, have this tool and have not ever used it. I have the instructions at home so I will post them when I get back from the Boston NCRS Regional. I don't think it is necessary to rotate the device once installed. I'll get back to you later unless someone else beats me to it.

Tony

[Tony H.]

Re: Rear Whl. Bearing Lubrication

Tim,

I, too, have this tool and have not ever used it. I have the instructions at home so I will post them when I get back from the Boston NCRS Regional. I don't think it is necessary to rotate the device once installed. I'll get back to you later unless someone else beats me to it.

Tony

[George Daina]

Rear Whl. Bearing Lubrication Tool

You place the tool on the spindle and make sure that the grease hole is by the bearing. You tighten it with the washer and nut. Best to use air powered grease gun.

I don't know if this excercise is worth while. I did this on my friend's 66 prior to our trip to Bloomington, but could not tell if the bearing took the new grease.

[George Daina]

Rear Whl. Bearing Lubrication Tool

You place the tool on the spindle and make sure that the grease hole is by the bearing. You tighten it with the washer and nut. Best to use air powered grease gun.

I don't know if this excercise is worth while. I did this on my friend's 66 prior to our trip to Bloomington, but could not tell if the bearing took the new grease.

[Bill Clupper]

Re: Rear Whl. Bearing Lubrication

Essentially, the tool replaces the flange assembly and grease is distributed via the pressure from the gun. I never thought of rotating the axle the only time I used one of these, but it sounds like a good idea. I had a '64 with noisy bearings a few years ago, lubed it up and never had another problem. good prevention, if you don't plan on having the assy rebuilt (my first choice more recently)

[Bill Clupper]

Re: Rear Whl. Bearing Lubrication

Essentially, the tool replaces the flange assembly and grease is distributed via the pressure from the gun. I never thought of rotating the axle the only time I used one of these, but it sounds like a good idea. I had a '64 with noisy bearings a few years ago, lubed it up and never had another problem. good prevention, if you don't plan on having the assy rebuilt (my first choice more recently)

[Wayne M.]

[Wayne M.]

[Gary Schisler]

Bearing Lubrication - Please explain

I have been watching your posts with interst but I must admit that I am confused. Can you explain what type of rear wheel bearing lube tool you are using? Is this the $15 tool that others are selling that only lubes the outer bearings? Is this a GM tool designed to do both the inner and outer bearings. Any input here is appreciated. I installed new complete rear trailing arms last year and I would like to insure their longevity.

Thanks, Gary 21316

[Gary Schisler]

Bearing Lubrication - Please explain

I have been watching your posts with interst but I must admit that I am confused. Can you explain what type of rear wheel bearing lube tool you are using? Is this the $15 tool that others are selling that only lubes the outer bearings? Is this a GM tool designed to do both the inner and outer bearings. Any input here is appreciated. I installed new complete rear trailing arms last year and I would like to insure their longevity.

Thanks, Gary 21316

[Tim Keeler]

Re: Rear Whl. Bearing Lubrication

Thanks to all for your suggestions and advice. Especially to Wayne, you supplied exactly what I was looking for, thanks again. Gary, check out Wayne's response. This is a tool supplied by Kent Moore to G.M. to decrease the number of wheel bearing failures. I got the tool when I was a Parts Manager at a Chevrolet dealer years ago but are now available from most Corvette suppliers. Thanks again. Tim

[Tim Keeler]

Re: Rear Whl. Bearing Lubrication

Thanks to all for your suggestions and advice. Especially to Wayne, you supplied exactly what I was looking for, thanks again. Gary, check out Wayne's response. This is a tool supplied by Kent Moore to G.M. to decrease the number of wheel bearing failures. I got the tool when I was a Parts Manager at a Chevrolet dealer years ago but are now available from most Corvette suppliers. Thanks again. Tim

[Jim]

Re: Rear Whl. Bearing Lubrication

I am not a fan of these type of rear bearing lubrication tools. It is a fair amount of labor to use them with any sort of regularity and you are really only lubing the inner bearing (if this even happens effectively). The down side is that it is easy to overgrease and "blowout" one or both seals and cause other potential bearing damage/problems. The ultimate authority on rear wheel bearings is Van Steel in Florida and they do not like these tools either (they explain this in their catalog and I believe on their web site also). If you do choose to use this tool, use it EXACTLY as the GM shop manual instructs. Good luck, Jim - Elkhart '73

[Jim]

Re: Rear Whl. Bearing Lubrication

I am not a fan of these type of rear bearing lubrication tools. It is a fair amount of labor to use them with any sort of regularity and you are really only lubing the inner bearing (if this even happens effectively). The down side is that it is easy to overgrease and "blowout" one or both seals and cause other potential bearing damage/problems. The ultimate authority on rear wheel bearings is Van Steel in Florida and they do not like these tools either (they explain this in their catalog and I believe on their web site also). If you do choose to use this tool, use it EXACTLY as the GM shop manual instructs. Good luck, Jim - Elkhart '73