The Ford Barn

RHD · 10-18-2011, 04:32 PM

What are the thoughts on sealed bearings at both ends of the gearbox?
I have use sealed bearings for some time with no problems, but I always wonder if some small leakage through the rear bearing would aid lubrication of the universal.
I have heard of some people taking one side of the seal off with the sealed side to the outside of the gearbox, but that again would not lube in any way the universal. I would consider that pointless with today’s quality bearings.
I have talked to bearing suppliers about sealed bearings in the Model ‘A’ gearbox and asked if the seals can be left in place, or if one side can be removed or both sides removed. They tell me that very similar sized sealed bearings are used on conveyor belts at stone crushing plants. They are in extremely dirty conditions under great loads. Used in a Model ‘A’ gearbox with both the seals in place, they would be just idling along, even under load.
My concern is the universal lubrication, or is greasing now and again sufficient?

10-18-2011, 04:32 PM	#1
RHD Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New Zealand Posts: 677	Opinion on sealed bearings. What are the thoughts on sealed bearings at both ends of the gearbox? I have use sealed bearings for some time with no problems, but I always wonder if some small leakage through the rear bearing would aid lubrication of the universal. I have heard of some people taking one side of the seal off with the sealed side to the outside of the gearbox, but that again would not lube in any way the universal. I would consider that pointless with today’s quality bearings. I have talked to bearing suppliers about sealed bearings in the Model ‘A’ gearbox and asked if the seals can be left in place, or if one side can be removed or both sides removed. They tell me that very similar sized sealed bearings are used on conveyor belts at stone crushing plants. They are in extremely dirty conditions under great loads. Used in a Model ‘A’ gearbox with both the seals in place, they would be just idling along, even under load. My concern is the universal lubrication, or is greasing now and again sufficient? __________________ R.H.D. Silence is golden unless you have kids, then silence is suspicious.