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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Grease rear hub bearings?

Hello,

I'm restoring a 1969 AH Sprite Mk IV. I replaced the rear hub bearings, and my repair manual suggests greasing them with lithium grease when refitting.

My question is: Do I really need to grease these bearings, or is the oil from the differential responsible for lubricating them? I've already assembled the axle and don't want to disturb the pesky o-ring that tends to leak.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Matt
MH Hardy

Grease them!

eddie
Eddie Cairns

Long ago Growler, South wrote:

And I shall start raving about fully-sealed bearings (you know, the pre-lubed type with integral oil seals)
They're lovely. Last forever and supplement the existing oil seal- no more leaks, and no more damaged bearings from differential metal flakes.
SKF part# 6207zz
NSK part# 6207vvc-mav2

Why tends the oil ring to leak ?(the bearings are new now)

Flip



Flip Brühl 948 frog 59

Thanks guys. Still wondering if the differential fluid offers some kind of lubrication for these bearings?
MH Hardy

Yes, it does.
Dave O'Neill 2

Yes it does, but grease them!
Dave Rhine ('78 1500)

Why grease them? The design is such that the gear oil in the diff lubricates them. Just like rear drive Fords and Chevys. And, IMHO, if you grease them, you're mixing some kind of grease with gear oil causing potential incompatibility. I haven't greased mine in the 38 years I've owned the car. Granted, I did replace them about 37 years ago since the originals had been through a mud bath before I bought the car.
Martin Washington

The only reason I can think of for grease in the bearings is a left over from original manufacture, where the axle was not filled with oil until one of the last operations - therefore the bearings would be dry for initial slow running, as the oil is low in the casing and needs the gears spinning it up and around + cornering etc

I have not greased mine - filled it and rocked the axle side to side to ensure oil in both bearings - could jack car to same effect.

Also never seen grease in the rear bearings when stripping midget /minor axles for last 40 years !

R.
richard boobier

Greasing is insurance, why take a chance of initial dry running?

I replace axle bearings on forklifts & industrial eguipment all the time & lightly grease the bearings even in wet axle tube applictions.

At the very least, I'd apply some gear oil before fitting.

Just a good idea to do so...
Dave Rhine ('78 1500)

This thread was discussed between 24/08/2010 and 26/08/2010

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