Cleaning/re-lubing SKF 61903 BB bearings
03-08-20, 10:54 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Cleaning/re-lubing SKF 61903 BB bearings
Gentlemen,
I have acquired a nice 114mm OMAS B.B. axle with SKF 61903 bearings. The bearings are smooth, but the grease was a bit sticky/old. I gave a modest shot of penetration oil, and they both spin very smoothly.
So, should I continue with the cleaning away of residue and then add 1) tenacious oil, or 2) a light layer of Phil’s grease? Or what restorative steps should I take?
Oddly, the OMAS plastic shield introduces actual drag on the bearings. Hmmm.
Thank you.
Owen
I have acquired a nice 114mm OMAS B.B. axle with SKF 61903 bearings. The bearings are smooth, but the grease was a bit sticky/old. I gave a modest shot of penetration oil, and they both spin very smoothly.
So, should I continue with the cleaning away of residue and then add 1) tenacious oil, or 2) a light layer of Phil’s grease? Or what restorative steps should I take?
Oddly, the OMAS plastic shield introduces actual drag on the bearings. Hmmm.
Thank you.
Owen
__________________
1959 Hilton Wrigley Connoisseur (my favorite!)
1963 Hetchins Mountain King
1971 Gitane Tour de France (original owner)
* 1971 Gitane Super Corsa (crashed)
* rebuilt as upright cruiser
1971 Gitane Super Corsa #2 (sweet replacement)
1980 Ritchey Road Touring (The Grail Bike)
1982 Tom Ritchey Everest
(replacing stolen 1981 TR Everest custom)
1982 Tom Ritchey McKinley (touring pickup truck)
1985 ALAN Record (Glued & Screwed. A gift.)
1959 Hilton Wrigley Connoisseur (my favorite!)
1963 Hetchins Mountain King
1971 Gitane Tour de France (original owner)
* 1971 Gitane Super Corsa (crashed)
* rebuilt as upright cruiser
1971 Gitane Super Corsa #2 (sweet replacement)
1980 Ritchey Road Touring (The Grail Bike)
1982 Tom Ritchey Everest
(replacing stolen 1981 TR Everest custom)
1982 Tom Ritchey McKinley (touring pickup truck)
1985 ALAN Record (Glued & Screwed. A gift.)
03-08-20, 11:09 AM
#2
Senior Member
You should clean all the old (and new) grease and oil with a solvent like kerosene, lamp oil or OMS, and then relube with with grease only. Im not familiar with "phils grease", but im sure its fine.
Last edited by Racing Dan; 03-08-20 at 11:17 AM.
03-08-20, 02:21 PM
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Thanks. Phil Wood products.
Cheers
Cheers
__________________
1959 Hilton Wrigley Connoisseur (my favorite!)
1963 Hetchins Mountain King
1971 Gitane Tour de France (original owner)
* 1971 Gitane Super Corsa (crashed)
* rebuilt as upright cruiser
1971 Gitane Super Corsa #2 (sweet replacement)
1980 Ritchey Road Touring (The Grail Bike)
1982 Tom Ritchey Everest
(replacing stolen 1981 TR Everest custom)
1982 Tom Ritchey McKinley (touring pickup truck)
1985 ALAN Record (Glued & Screwed. A gift.)
1959 Hilton Wrigley Connoisseur (my favorite!)
1963 Hetchins Mountain King
1971 Gitane Tour de France (original owner)
* 1971 Gitane Super Corsa (crashed)
* rebuilt as upright cruiser
1971 Gitane Super Corsa #2 (sweet replacement)
1980 Ritchey Road Touring (The Grail Bike)
1982 Tom Ritchey Everest
(replacing stolen 1981 TR Everest custom)
1982 Tom Ritchey McKinley (touring pickup truck)
1985 ALAN Record (Glued & Screwed. A gift.)
03-12-20, 05:58 PM
#5
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Since the outer bearing race is stationary when the BB is mounted any friction between it and the plastic shield will not result in drag. The only things that move are the spindle, inner race, and the bearing balls.
03-12-20, 06:18 PM
#6
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Second the recommendation to flush out all of the old grease, oil and whatever other crud is in the bearings using OMS or kerosene. Let them dry and regrease with Phil Grease or other suitable medium body grease. And, yes, Phil Grease is very good.
