Kinda OT Greasing Sealed Bearings

super99 · Oct 12, 2011

I posted this on the combine forum but everyone must still be in the field. I have a grease needle to grease sealed bearings with. Had one since about 1974 and used it often on the combines over the years. Has anyone ever drilled a hole in the dust shield of a all metal sealed bearing to grease it? I was told about 30 years ago to drill a small hole in the shield and grease the bearing and then put a dab of silicon gasket maker over the hole.I'm changing my 6600 combine over to a chopper from a spreader and have the idler pulleys off and would like to grease the bearings before putting it all back together.The bearings aren't dry or noisy yet, but don't want to have to stop and change a bearing when I get going on beans. Your thoughts? Thanks, Chris

Anonymous-0 · Oct 12, 2011

I often prise the neoprene [?] off to grease and replace but no success with tin, I always seem to bend it.

Andy C · Oct 12, 2011

Been doing it for years. I use a 1/16th drill
Go for it,
Andy

Jon Hagen · Oct 12, 2011

I have drilled a hole in the metal seal to grease them, have done it for many years, never bothered to close the little hole, never had a problem with the relubed bearings.
I keep one pistol grip gun loaded with Mobil 1 syntetic grease with the grease needle plugged in.
It is used exclusivly for relubing sealed bearings and for squirting grease between the rollers of tapered wheel bearings during a wheel pack, works good.

fixerupper · Oct 12, 2011

You can help an old bearing along for a long time by doing what the others said. You just have to remember to give it a pump or even a half pump whenever you feel it needs it. I read an article by a bearing engineer who said too much grease is bad because the excess grease rubbing against itself will build up heat. He said battery powered grease guns used in the wrong hands are good for bearing conpanies sales. Jim

Anonymous-0 · Oct 12, 2011

yes,, it works ok .. if you cant get to the bearin take a wagner power paiter and spray the bearing with oil ,,

BushogPapa · Oct 12, 2011

I have had success with using the needle and slipping the point under the rubber seal and pumping grease in...
On real small openings, I do file the needle more flat, so it will slip into the tighter ones..
One good shot might take putting the needle in a couple positions around the bearing, or turning the shaft a little..

Ron..

Anonymous-0 · Oct 13, 2011

used to do that with noisy alternators when folks couldn't afford a new one right away........ and on some military vehicles... Just used a small bit sharpened backwards and ran in reverse to keep filings on the outside.

Anonymous-0 · Oct 13, 2011

I have 2 bearings, on my Hesston 5530 bearing. My initial diagnosis, was that I heard a squeak, took my infra red thermometer, and temp checked every sealed bearing, till I found the hot ones. Now, before baling, I take my can of Kroil, or PB blaster, and hit those 2 bearings, before each batch of hay. I bale about 150 bales a year, and have had no problems with those bearings, in 5 years or more.

Duner Wi · Oct 13, 2011

I have been greasing sealed bearings for many years. Seems to work for me.

2cylpartsinfo · Oct 13, 2011

I once worked for a small company that made special one-off power line erecting machines. We always drilled holes in sealed bearings and resealed with silicone as you described.

Kinda OT Greasing Sealed Bearings

super99

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Anonymous-0

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Andy C

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Jon Hagen

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fixerupper

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Anonymous-0

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BushogPapa

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Anonymous-0

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Anonymous-0

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Duner Wi

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2cylpartsinfo

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