Cleaning oily wheel bearings

**danielsprague** · #1 21 Dec 2005

Hi

I've stripped down the front axle on my hilux, and need to clean the inner and outer wheel bearings and swivel joint bearings (all taper-roller bearings) as the grease has become contaminated with the axle oil.

I normally use gunk for such jobs, but I don't want to get the bearings wet. I was thinking of cleaning the much off them with paraffin, letting them drain, then cleaning off the remaining paraffin with cellulose thinners. Does this sound sensible? Any better suggestions?

Cheers

Dan

**jljones** · #2 21 Dec 2005

When I did my oil seals (80 series TLC) I used a compressor in a garage (lucky to find someone to lend me some space in southern spain) and cleaned the components with high pre3ssure solvent. Essential you grease everything up properly afterwards though, wheel bearings with lithium grease and drive shafts and swivels with moly grease. Not difficult, but a bit grubby. And cold at this time of yeaqr...

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pigapitcha

**JulianVoelcker** · #3 22 Dec 2005

Why don't you want to get them wet?

I always use solvent in my degreaser tank to clean the bearings thoroughly.

If you don't have any degreaser to hand diesel will do just as well.

When re-assembling do make sure that you pack as much grease as possible into the clean bearings. I usually find putting a lump of grease in to the palm of my hand and then forcing into either side the best bet, rotating the bearing occasionally to make sure that it is well covered.

If you are trying to clean them without removing the inner seal and bearing, you will never be able to do it properly - the bearings have to be removed to clean them off and then re-grease them properly.

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Cheers,

Julian
Euro Landcruiser Owners Club
http://www.landcruisers.info/lists/

**JonStobbs** · #4 23 Dec 2005

I use something like an old ice-cream container with some petrol in it,and an old toothbrush to clean them out,then the airline(compressed air) to dry/blow out any residue.Then force fresh grease in rotating the bearings a few times until they are well filled with the stuff.

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Just going for a short ride on my bike....