Greasing front wheel bearings, thanks!

[jwilliams81]

After searching and reading through all the threads for information and confidence I tackled a job I had never done before last night. Took about 15 minutes a side and left me with a big grin.
I bought the wheel bearing grease from NAPA after a couple threads mentioned guys using it. I watched a video on YouTube about how to do it. And I read Les Andrews instructions on how to do it.

I used Sta-Lube Wheel Bearing Grease NAPA # SL3111, for reference.

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone that contributes to the board so that new young guys like myself can access your knowledge.

I'll be redoing the rears eventually, but this was a quick and easy preventative maintenance.

[Art Newland]

Way to go! Doing the job your self is very satisfying. The rears are harder only because you'll probably need a puller to get the hub off.

[1955cj5]

Yes, nice work!

The neat thing about a Model A is you can do most anything with simple hand tools and maybe a couple specialty tools....

Plenty of expert help available here!


Now I have a question.

The roller track that supports the bottom of your brake shoes....is that stock?

I ask because they are different than mine, and I'm wondering if maybe I'm missing a part....

But, it might just be the difference between your 31 and my 29 brakes...

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by 1955cj5

Yes, nice work!

The neat thing about a Model A is you can do most anything with simple hand tools and maybe a couple specialty tools....

Plenty of expert help available here!


Now I have a question.

The roller track that supports the bottom of your brake shoes....is that stock?

I ask because they are different than mine, and I'm wondering if maybe I'm missing a part....

But, it might just be the difference between your 31 and my 29 brakes...

Good catch. That is different than any I've seen also.

[jwilliams81]

I have no idea guys. This is my first A and the first time I did the job. It was suggested on Facebook that they might be B's?

[Tom Wesenberg]

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Originally Posted by jwilliams81

I have no idea guys. This is my first A and the first time I did the job. It was suggested on Facebook that they might be B's?

B is 12" diameter, and A is 11".

[1955cj5]

Whatever they are it looks like a better system...the normal A only has one roller track between the shoes and the backing plate...

It's neat to be able to learn from others posts and pictures!

[Art Newland]

Some floater arrangement maybe?

[Doug in NJ]

Maybe an add-on to help deal with worn-out roller tracks?

Doug

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Doug in NJ

Maybe an add-on to help deal with worn-out roller tracks?

Doug

That's the only thing I could think of also. Anyone got a very old JC Whitney catalog?

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

I hope you pre-loaded the bearings with 5 Ft Lbs of torque!
Bill W.

[Squally]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

I hope you pre-loaded the bearings with 5 Ft Lbs of torque!
Bill W.

Can you elaborate? I'm about to do this for the first time also.

Also, are there any other things I should be checking/doing during this process?

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by Squally

Can you elaborate? I'm about to do this for the first time also.

Also, are there any other things I should be checking/doing during this process?

That's a good proven "rule of thumb"---
I NEVER recommend ANYTHING that has not worked for me in the past! Trust me on this! I've been doing this ALL my working life.
Bill W.

[larrys40]

Originally Posted by 1955cj5

Whatever they are it looks like a better system...the normal A only has one roller track between the shoes and the backing plate...

It's neat to be able to learn from others posts and pictures!

Not sure about that as it may have been one of those aftermarket fixes.. maybe the rear track was worn so they supplied that to fix it. Which seems to me then the shoes would could be cocked.

Hopefully the cotter pins are in the clear. Not much room on some pins.
I think I'll stick with the "Henry" stock tracks.

One thing that is an excellent example is the one showing the drum on with the grease can above. It shows exactly where a stock wheel contacts the drum in 3 places.
Excellent photo! BTW.. your age? We are so glad you found the "A" and the forum!
I started in our club just out of high school.... couldn't imagine not having done this!
"A" folks are the best!
Larry

[1955cj5]

Originally Posted by Squally

Can you elaborate? I'm about to do this for the first time also.

Also, are there any other things I should be checking/doing during this process?

You should check the condition of the bearings and bearing cups when you have it apart. I check that the bearing runs smooth, and that there is no pitting or irregular shape in the individual rollers.

Also check the bearing cup..the part that is pressed into the hub...make sure it too is smooth without cupping or pitting.

I think Bill means that you should tighten the nut to 5 pounds of torque when you re-assemble.

You should start a thread with pictures when you start the project so others can help when judging the bearings condition........there is more to it than what I mentioned

[Squally]

1955cj5,

Thanks, I will try to take pictures. I pulled both hubs off already and gave them a quick clean and fresh paint. I'll post some pics when I get back out there. I was hoping it would have warmed up a little more by now.

I was confused by the 5 pounds of torque. I hadn't read that anywhere. The Les Andrews book says to tighten it and then back it off a bit.

[J Franklin]

Tighten while turning the wheel and back off till it turns freely to the first slot that allows the cotter. Tightening seats the bearing.

[Bob C]

Here is a link to a YouTube video by Timken on how to adjust the wheel bearings.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RqlrnoiqnY

Bob

[jwilliams81]

Here is the video that I watched.
This plus the Les Andrews book got me through it.

https://youtu.be/sO9By03k4wo

[Squally]

Here are some pictures of mine. Yes, that is some sort of creature in the upper left.