Greasing front wheel bearings, thanks!

jwilliams81

Senior Member
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.
 

Attachments

  • brake 1.jpg
    brake 1.jpg
    52 KB · Views: 324
  • Brake2.jpg
    Brake2.jpg
    58.3 KB · Views: 258
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.
 
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...
 
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.:confused:
 
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?
 
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!
 
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.
 
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
 
Last edited:
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
 
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.
 
Tighten while turning the wheel and back off till it turns freely to the first slot that allows the cotter. Tightening seats the bearing.
 
Here are some pictures of mine. Yes, that is some sort of creature in the upper left.
 

Attachments

  • Left Hub Back-001.jpg
    Left Hub Back-001.jpg
    46.7 KB · Views: 66
  • Left Hub Front 2-001.jpg
    Left Hub Front 2-001.jpg
    64.8 KB · Views: 60
  • Left.jpg
    Left.jpg
    52.6 KB · Views: 82
  • Right 1.jpg
    Right 1.jpg
    62.9 KB · Views: 84
  • Right 2.jpg
    Right 2.jpg
    57 KB · Views: 76
Back
Top