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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 284
Backyard Mechanic
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OP
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 284 |
I'm planning on repacking my front wheel bearings on my 48 before long. Assuming the original ball bearings are still there - what wheel bearing grease should I use?
Regards:
Oldengineer
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
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I don't know if you can still buy it but I had some Kendal brand grease from NAPA. It was front wheel bearing grease but not for cars with disc brakes. The disc brake greae is kind of runny. What I have is thicker and stayed between the ball bearings better.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,136
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ChatMaster - 3,000
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I've always been a fan of white lithium grease...Higher temp. and good for heavier bearing load...Little pricier...Clean all the old grease out and consider a packing tool...
1947 Fleetmaster Sport Coupe VCCA # 47475
If it's not wearing a Bowtie...It's not properly dressed...!
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Joined: Nov 2002
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ChatMaster - 7,000
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ChatMaster - 7,000
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I think any reputable manufactures product will be fine as long as it specifies "wheel bearing grease" and not simply a chassis lube or a multi purpose grease.
Steve D
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 583 Likes: 1
Oil Can Mechanic
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Oil Can Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 583 Likes: 1 |
We've used Lubrimatic grease since I was a kid without a problem. I've had issues with other lithium or high temp mixes from other brands getting thing, but this stuff works well. Most hardware stores and Napa carries it if I recall. You can also get it at Amazon.com If anyone is interested, I wrote about New Departure ball bearings on my blog back in 2013. Its a neat little sidebar story to our old cars, and since then I've collected some New Departure memorabilia. I love this hobby and all the history that's wrapped up in it! Good luck with your repack job. Hope your Chevy rolls on down the road smoothly this season.
-Daryl Scott #45848
• 1947 Chevrolet Fleetline Sportmaster Sedan
• 1976 Chevrolet C20 Fleetside
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Joined: Sep 2009
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ChatMaster - 6,000
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OE, Just get a can of grease that states that it is ok for wheel bearings as well as other applications. This information will be on the label. Whatever brand will be ok. Clean your bearings and air dry them. Don't use an air hose to blow dry them. Dig your fingers into the can of grease and cup it in your palm. Take the bearings in the fingers of one hand and squeeze them into the grease in the cup of the other, thus forcing the grease in between the rollers. Gob it up real good. Put the bearings in and wipe away any excess at the outer washer. You're set for a long, lone time. Now wipe your hands and put away the grease for next time you don't have anything interesting to do. Charlie 
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 284
Backyard Mechanic
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OP
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 284 |
Charlie:
I haven't repacked a front wheel bearing for years, but, I remember how to do it. With any luck, I'll get my son, the mechanic, to do it for me. I've already got replacement grease seals from Autozone sitting in the car.
Regards:
Oldengineer
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Joined: Jun 2007
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ChatMaster - 1,500
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I'll get my son, the mechanic, to do it for me. Now that is a good plan if there ever was a good plan. 
Russell #38868
'48 4 door Fleetline
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 408
Backyard Mechanic
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Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2005
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I once came home about 300 miles on the highway sitting on about 60 mph all the way. Near home as I slowed and drove around the streets I realised something wasn't right so I pulled the bearings out to repack the and found that all the ball bearings in the outer left had disintegrated. These old cars are pretty forgiving.
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