best hub grease for wet weather?
03-03-11, 10:33 AM
#1
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best hub grease for wet weather?
I recently switched to Park Polylube bearing grease, and just had to re-pack my front bearings for the second time THIS WEEK. Cripes. Is it the type of grease that's allowing the water into the hub? I'm pretty sure I know how to get the adjustment just right - no binding but no play. Maybe the rubber seal on the dust covers is shot? (mid-80's Sanshin hubs with no pitting/scoring, laced to 27" rims) The seals look fine, but who knows? And if it's the dust covers, is there any chance I can find replacements, or do I just use these for dry riding?
I'm about to give up and invest in new wheels with cartridge bearings.
btw - I'm in Portland and ride 20+ miles rt/day for my commute. It's been raining for weeks, temps in upper 30's - mid 40's, and lots of grit on the roads. Just yucky stuff for all moving parts.
Any advice appreciated - assume I don't know what I'm doing and give me your best.
I'm about to give up and invest in new wheels with cartridge bearings.
btw - I'm in Portland and ride 20+ miles rt/day for my commute. It's been raining for weeks, temps in upper 30's - mid 40's, and lots of grit on the roads. Just yucky stuff for all moving parts.
Any advice appreciated - assume I don't know what I'm doing and give me your best.
03-03-11, 10:52 AM
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Try a marine grade grease like Phil.
N.B. you can probably get it cheaper without the "Phil" brand at any place that sells boating equipment.
N.B. you can probably get it cheaper without the "Phil" brand at any place that sells boating equipment.
03-03-11, 11:24 AM
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White lithium based greases also do a great job in wet conditions. Some are designated Marine Grade, but even those that aren't won't wash out and will maintain a rust resisting film in the bearings.
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An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
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03-03-11, 11:49 AM
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I have long used Boat Trailer Wheel Bearing Grease. it's cheap, comes in a Tub.
still have some in mine, 20 years on.
still have some in mine, 20 years on.
03-03-11, 01:00 PM
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It sounds more like you have seal problems rather than grease problems. Those old Sanshin hubs weren't very well protected even when new and 25 years of use won't have improved the problem.
Out of curiosity, what were the symptoms that led you to think the bearings needed to be repacked in less than one week?
Out of curiosity, what were the symptoms that led you to think the bearings needed to be repacked in less than one week?
03-03-11, 01:53 PM
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, and when I oened the hub, the bearings - on one side - fell out and there was water in there.
03-03-11, 04:36 PM
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I probably go a little overboard with the grease. After cleaning the hub, I fill the cup with grease, then put the ball bearings in the grease. When i'm ready to screw down the cone, I fill any remaining space with grease. As the cone is screwed into place, excess grease squeezes out the edges.
There is literally no space for water to get in.
I use grease from the automotive department because it is way cheaper than "special" bike grease.
There is literally no space for water to get in.
I use grease from the automotive department because it is way cheaper than "special" bike grease.
03-03-11, 09:00 PM
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I probably go a little overboard with the grease. After cleaning the hub, I fill the cup with grease, then put the ball bearings in the grease. When i'm ready to screw down the cone, I fill any remaining space with grease. As the cone is screwed into place, excess grease squeezes out the edges.
There is literally no space for water to get in.
There is literally no space for water to get in.
Again to the OP; you certainly have a seal problem, not a grease problem.
03-03-11, 10:41 PM
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Get new seals and use grease that's a little more tenacious in wet conditions - I'm thinking Sta-Lube Marine, Pennzoil Marine or a heavy-duty grease. Polylube should do OK - polyurea greases tend to do OK in the presence of moisture.
