| Author | Message | ||
     Buellerxt |
I've read a number of times that a number of you apply anti-seize around the wheel bearing seals after opening the seals and re-greasing the bearings. Does the anti-seize turn hard, stay on the seals and 'seal' them without being messy and flipping off the seals and getting on the wheel, etc.? Any other products used to re-seal the seals? Any particular recommendations on anti-seize brands? Thanks. | ||
| Jphish |
The antiseize does harden up a bit over time and loose its grease like quality. But doesnt appear to effect efficacy. Mine's stayed in place for over 12k miles. It does the job. No problems with 'flipping' - if you just press it into seal gaps and between the bearing and wheel with your finger, and wipe off all excess. Brand? Not sure it matters much - I think my tube is permatex. and...ya get a free 'silver finger' with each application. | ||
| Buellerxt |
Thanks Jphish. My reason for asking is that I was talking to a good friend who is also a good tech, about the use described on this forum and he told me that anti-seize is very messy stuff. He didn't think much of the idea but with the success folks have had with it I'll definitely give it a try. Thanks. | ||
| Xbimmer |
I would think the metallic composition of antiseize would accelerate seal wear, but what do I know. Some guys smear it around the seals but I thought it was to reduce water and dirt intrusion. I wouldn't be putting any antiseize into the bearing itself, just cleaned up seals with new grease, but again what do I know, YMMV. | ||
| Buellerxt |
I agree Dean. NO anti-seize 'in' the bearing! As a seal 'sealer' though it seems to have worked for a number of folks on the forum. I'll give it a try to avoid rain getting into the hub on trips. | ||
| Jphish |
Absolutly NOT in bearing. Your using it like putty to fill the gaps. just press it in between inner/outer seal/bearing spaces. I also apply it in between where bearing outer race meets wheel. I have never had any kind of moisture intrusion...yet. I also clean up any/all excess that remains - it IS messy stuff. Dont want to attract more dirt. I also use a tooth pick to clean old stuff from seals before "picking" them to reapply bearing grease. A bit anal probably, but dont want any crud in with bearings - cant help longevity. Only had these KBCs in for 18K miles, swapped out the old red ones @ about 10K. So far so good - no noticeable seal deterioration. I think once you 'pick' the seals its important to continue with the antiseize treatment or risk water intrusion. So its either leave 'em the hell alone & trust the grease & seal to do its job - or grease & antiseize it at every tire change. So...Down one path lay oblivian...down the other, ruination - the trick is to pick the right one. I think I'm on the right path ?! | ||
| Buellerxt |
LOL!  Thanks John.  | ||
| Buellerxt |
John, Do you take the full seal off when you add grease to the bearings or do you just pull up an edge, inject with a needle, and hope the grease disburses? Anyone else? Thanks. | ||
| Jphish |
Hey Mike - I use a small jewlers screwdriver which I slightly bent the tip to facilitate getting a grip on the little buggers. I pick the seals entirely & remove some of the old grease, and refresh with new. I leave a bit of airspace for expansion when hot. Though your 'hypodermic' idea is a good one. I'm carefull not to bend or distort seals as much as possible. They do get a bit frayed after 3-4 cycles of removal, but thats where the antiseize comes in. Would be nice to be able to just purchase seals - but so far this has worked well. j | ||
| Scarpent1 |
I mentioned this to the bearing supplier and he cringed at the thought of people removing the seals. So I suspect you will not find just the seals. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Bearing supplier cringed. Imagine that. He wants those bearings to grenade so he can supply new ones. The never-seize puts up a nice coat to keep out water and dirt. Works for me. I'll be taking my wheels off to give them the once over before the Homecoming trip. Once per season is all it takes. Easier to clean the wheels up nice and shiny whilst they are off the bike too. | ||
| Etennuly |
I did and still do this procedure. What the heck, when ya got some on your finger from installing the axle anyway, you don't want to wipe it on your jeans. My bearing failed at 33,000 miles, I did the re-grease and seal every tire change from new. My hub was nearly a quarter full of water. I believe that when conditions are right it can get in by condensation, but who knows, ya can't prove the path. But mine will no longer be able to suffer water intrusion of any kind, it is filled with marine grease. It now has nearly 50,000 miles on the clock, so 17,000 miles and counting on this set, I replaced mine with a new set of orange seal bearings that were just being replaced with the black seal ones at the time. The black ones were on back order at the time mine failed. | ||
| Tootal |
I believe using the anti-sieze or grease does more to keep the metal around the seals from rusting. Once the metal starts rusting it's like crocus cloth, or emory cloth to the seal. Once the rust wears your seals out it allows water to enter. Anything you use to protect the bearing from rust is doing yourself a favor. |
