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Installing Grease Zerks For Front Wheel Bearings [message #124224] Mon, 02 May 2011 12:45 Go to next message
A Hamilto is currently offline  A Hamilto   United States
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Pretty much without exception, every time I apply grease to to a component with a grease gun, I pump the handle until it squeezes out somewhere. I understand that is not the correct way with GMC Motorhome fitted with front wheel bearing zerks because you will "blow out" the rear seals. So what is the "correct" way to grease them (how many "pumps")? But here is my real question: Couldn't there be another hole drilled somewhere in the assembly with a removable plug that you could remove the plug and pump grease into the zerk until grease comes out the hole (and then replace the plug)? That would give me more assurance that I have applied enough grease, and hopefully prevent blowing out the rear seal. Is that realistic?
Re: [GMCnet] Installing Grease Zerks For Front Wheel Bearings [message #124238 is a reply to message #124224] Mon, 02 May 2011 13:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
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here is the info
http://gmcmotorhome.info/front.html#ZERK

and how to grease is here
http://goo.gl/o74xw

gene\


On Mon, May 2, 2011 at 10:45 AM, Mark <markbb1@netzero.com> wrote:

>
>
> Pretty much without exception, every time I apply grease to to a component
> with a grease gun, I pump the handle until it squeezes out somewhere. I
> understand that is not the correct way with GMC Motorhome fitted with front
> wheel bearing zerks because you will "blow out" the rear seals. So what is
> the "correct" way to grease them (how many "pumps")? But here is my real
> question: Couldn't there be another hole drilled somewhere in the assembly
> with a removable plug that you could remove the plug and pump grease into
> the zerk until grease comes out the hole (and then replace the plug)? That
> would give me more assurance that I have applied enough grease, and
> hopefully prevent blowing out the rear seal. Is that realistic?
> --
> '73 23' CanyonLands
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
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Re: Installing Grease Zerks For Front Wheel Bearings [message #124278 is a reply to message #124224] Mon, 02 May 2011 17:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
gmchunter is currently offline  gmchunter   United States
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I wouldn't bother unless your changing out the bearings. Even then why do it when the bearings are replaced as they are now good to go for 25k miles? Now if your one of the few that puts 10k miles on motorhome in a year it might be worth it.

I figure it will take me 10 years minimum to put that much mileage on the motorhome and I am not so much worried about the next guy that gets the motorhome.

It makes me think about my grandmother whose advice I like to follow. She said "I never save new linens and towels because I don't want the next woman to enjoy them."

If you put in the zerk then squirt in some new grease you stand the chance of popping out the seal and causing unnecessary problems and possible damage especially if you don't realize it. I was told that the problem wasn't the bearings as much as the seals which wear out and allow dirt to enter into the bearings that causes the most problems.

Then again, you will be supporting the regular vendors which is a good thing.

Michael
Re: [GMCnet] Installing Grease Zerks For Front Wheel Bearings [message #124293 is a reply to message #124238] Mon, 02 May 2011 18:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
A Hamilto is currently offline  A Hamilto   United States
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Mr ERFisher wrote on Mon, 02 May 2011 13:24

here is the info
http://gmcmotorhome.info/front.html#ZERK

and how to grease is here
http://goo.gl/o74xw

gene
I read those some time ago and that info is what prompted my question. I generally pump more than "a couple" of times on the gun, and want to fill that cavity without blowing out the inner seals. Maybe I will just take out another mortgage on the house and get a Hubler 1-ton front end. Or leave the money pit parked in the driveway for a few more years while I save up for one.
Re: [GMCnet] Installing Grease Zerks For Front Wheel Bearings [message #124298 is a reply to message #124293] Mon, 02 May 2011 18:35 Go to previous messageGo to next message
shawnee is currently offline  shawnee   United States
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ahamilto wrote on Mon, 02 May 2011 19:03

Mr ERFisher wrote on Mon, 02 May 2011 13:24

here is the info
http://gmcmotorhome.info/front.html#ZERK

and how to grease is here
http://goo.gl/o74xw

gene
I read those some time ago and that info is what prompted my question. I generally pump more than "a couple" of times on the gun, and want to fill that cavity without blowing out the inner seals. Maybe I will just take out another mortgage on the house and get a Hubler 1-ton front end. Or leave the money pit parked in the driveway for a few more years while I save up for one.



If you move the axle back far enough you will clear the grease seal and you can pump all you want and get grease out without pushing the seal out. I usually pump enough to get new grease coming out. I do it every fall after the last rally. If you do not push the axle out far enough you can push the seal out of place.


Gene Dotson
74 Canyonlands
www.bdub.net/Motorhome_Enhancements New Windows and Aluminum Radiators
Re: [GMCnet] Installing Grease Zerks For Front Wheel Bearings [message #124305 is a reply to message #124293] Mon, 02 May 2011 19:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
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When you loosen the axle you bypass the seal

FREE WIFI




On May 2, 2011, at 4:03 PM, Mark <markbb1@netzero.com> wrote:

>
>
> Mr ERFisher wrote on Mon, 02 May 2011 13:24
>> here is the info
>> http://gmcmotorhome.info/front.html#ZERK
>>
>> and how to grease is here
>> http://goo.gl/o74xw
>>
>> gene
> I read those some time ago and that info is what prompted my question. I generally pump more than "a couple" of times on the gun, and want to fill that cavity without blowing out the inner seals. Maybe I will just take out another mortgage on the house and get a Hubler 1-ton front end. Or leave the money pit parked in the driveway for a few more years while I save up for one.
> --
> '73 23' CanyonLands
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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Re: [GMCnet] Installing Grease Zerks For Front Wheel Bearings [message #124333 is a reply to message #124224] Mon, 02 May 2011 23:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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Mark,

To grease the front wheel bearings on a GMC that has zerk fittings
installed:

1) Loosen all wheel nuts on the front wheels.
2) Jack GMC up high enough to get front wheels off the ground.
3) Support the GMC on jack stands.
4) Remove both front wheels.
5) Thoroughly clean the housing of the outer CV joint and the back of the
steering knuckle around the CV joint.
6) Remove the cotter pin from both front axle nuts.
7) Have an assistant sit in the coach and apply the brakes while you loosen
then remove the front axle nuts.
8) Push the front axles (CV joints) inwards as much as possible.
9) Attach grease gun to the grease zerk and pump grease into the bearing
until you can see fresh grease coming out between the seal and the CV joint.
10) Push the front axle back into the hub, install the axle nut and torque
it as per the Maintenance Manual then install the cotter pin.
11) Replace the wheels and hub caps.

I've typed this from memory and if I've over looked anything or screwed it
up PLEASE correct me.

Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426


-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Mark
Sent: Monday, May 02, 2011 1:45 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] Installing Grease Zerks For Front Wheel Bearings



Pretty much without exception, every time I apply grease to to a component
with a grease gun, I pump the handle until it squeezes out somewhere. I
understand that is not the correct way with GMC Motorhome fitted with front
wheel bearing zerks because you will "blow out" the rear seals. So what is
the "correct" way to grease them (how many "pumps")? But here is my real
question: Couldn't there be another hole drilled somewhere in the assembly
with a removable plug that you could remove the plug and pump grease into
the zerk until grease comes out the hole (and then replace the plug)? That
would give me more assurance that I have applied enough grease, and
hopefully prevent blowing out the rear seal. Is that realistic?
--
'73 23' CanyonLands
_______________________________________________
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Installing Grease Zerks For Front Wheel Bearings [message #124360 is a reply to message #124333] Tue, 03 May 2011 08:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Larry is currently offline  Larry   United States
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Robert Mueller wrote on Mon, 02 May 2011 23:15

Mark,

To grease the front wheel bearings on a GMC that has zerk fittings
installed:

1) Loosen all wheel nuts on the front wheels.
2) Jack GMC up high enough to get front wheels off the ground.
3) Support the GMC on jack stands.
4) Remove both front wheels.
5) Thoroughly clean the housing of the outer CV joint and the back of the
steering knuckle around the CV joint.
6) Remove the cotter pin from both front axle nuts.
7) Have an assistant sit in the coach and apply the brakes while you loosen
then remove the front axle nuts.
Cool Push the front axles (CV joints) inwards as much as possible.
9) Attach grease gun to the grease zerk and pump grease into the bearing
until you can see fresh grease coming out between the seal and the CV joint.
10) Push the front axle back into the hub, install the axle nut and torque
it as per the Maintenance Manual then install the cotter pin.
11) Replace the wheels and hub caps.

I've typed this from memory and if I've over looked anything or screwed it
up PLEASE correct me.

Regards,
Rob M.



I guess I would move #6 & #7 ( Remove the cotter pin from both front axle nuts and loosen then remove the front axle nuts) up to #2. IMO a lot easier to loosen the axle nut when it is on the ground and in park. I'd still have someone stepping on the brake so as to not stress the parking pawl in the trans. JMHO


Larry Smile
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
Re: [GMCnet] Installing Grease Zerks For Front Wheel Bearings [message #124381 is a reply to message #124360] Tue, 03 May 2011 12:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mike miller   United States
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Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
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Senior Member
Larry wrote on Tue, 03 May 2011 06:31

Robert Mueller wrote on Mon, 02 May 2011 23:15

Mark,

To grease the front wheel bearings on a GMC that has zerk fittings
installed:

1) Loosen all wheel nuts on the front wheels.
2) Jack GMC up high enough to get front wheels off the ground.
3) Support the GMC on jack stands.
4) Remove both front wheels.
5) Thoroughly clean the housing of the outer CV joint and the back of the
steering knuckle around the CV joint.
6) Remove the cotter pin from both front axle nuts.
7) Have an assistant sit in the coach and apply the brakes while you loosen
then remove the front axle nuts.
Cool Push the front axles (CV joints) inwards as much as possible.
9) Attach grease gun to the grease zerk and pump grease into the bearing
until you can see fresh grease coming out between the seal and the CV joint.
10) Push the front axle back into the hub, install the axle nut and torque
it as per the Maintenance Manual then install the cotter pin.
11) Replace the wheels and hub caps.

I've typed this from memory and if I've over looked anything or screwed it
up PLEASE correct me.

Regards,
Rob M.



I guess I would move #6 & #7 ( Remove the cotter pin from both front axle nuts and loosen then remove the front axle nuts) up to #2. IMO a lot easier to loosen the axle nut when it is on the ground and in park. I'd still have someone stepping on the brake so as to not stress the parking pawl in the trans. JMHO



I do not have this system... but I would update #10 to include cleaning the of the old grease... and change the torquing order.

10) Push the front axle back into the hub, install the axle nut and tighten until just past "snug." Clean the grease from around the CV joint.
11) Replace the wheels.
12) Lower wheels to the ground. Torque the axle
nut as per the Maintenance Manual then install the cotter
pin and hub caps. Torque lug nuts to torque required.

Note: You may need to vary the installing hub caps and torquing of the lug nuts as needed for your wheels. You should to have the wheel on the ground when torquing the axle nut.


Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo' http://m000035.blogspot.com
Re: Installing Grease Zerks For Front Wheel Bearings [message #124386 is a reply to message #124224] Tue, 03 May 2011 13:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
g.winger is currently offline  g.winger   United States
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ahamilto,,,if you do the math, replacing with the Hubler conversion is cheaper(ie. less) than using standard GMC parts. Now we have to compare apples to apples,not oranges. I'm not going to do the math here because I've done it before and you can search my old posts. When you have the knuckles out you really should have the lower control arms reinforced. If you don't think thats needed, search for Steve Fergusons tech sheet/photos. Going to need new bushings too, so count those also. When I went to sell my knucles and hubs, Dave L. knew that they had been bushed,(practically worthless,to tight)while he was screwing down the press!!(Dave won't rebuild knuckels that have been bushed,runs up the cost of a standard GMC rebuild) Just my 2 cents worth,,,,,,PL
Re: [GMCnet] Installing Grease Zerks For Front Wheel Bearings [message #124432 is a reply to message #124386] Tue, 03 May 2011 15:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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Location: Sydney, Australia
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Senior Member
Paul,

I agree with the math, however, I asked a question that no one could answer
when Stan gave a presentation on the conversion at Patterson.

The distance between the upper and lower ball joint mounting points in the
knuckles goes from 9 inches to 11 inches. The angle at which the upper
control arm rides is higher. The angle between the upper ball joint socket
and the ball and shaft is much closer to the inside edge. Has anyone ever
jacked the suspension up as high as possible and verified that the ball and
shaft of the upper ball joint does not hit the upper ball joint socket?

A secondary question is - how does the changed angle between the upper and
lower control arms affect the coaches steering and handling. I'm looking for
a theoretical not empirical response. I realize if it wasn't acceptable
people wouldn't install it!

Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426


-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Paul Leavitt
Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2011 2:12 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Installing Grease Zerks For Front Wheel Bearings



ahamilto,,,if you do the math, replacing with the Hubler conversion is
cheaper(ie. less) than using standard GMC parts. Now we have to compare
apples to apples,not oranges. I'm not going to do the math here because I've
done it before and you can search my old posts. When you have the knuckles
out you really should have the lower control arms reinforced. If you don't
think thats needed, search for Steve Fergusons tech sheet/photos. Going to
need new bushings too, so count those also. When I went to sell my knucles
and hubs, Dave L. knew that they had been bushed,(practically worthless,to
tight)while he was screwing down the press!!(Dave won't rebuild knuckels
that have been bushed,runs up the cost of a standard GMC rebuild) Just my 2
cents worth,,,,,,PL

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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Installing Grease Zerks For Front Wheel Bearings [message #124454 is a reply to message #124333] Tue, 03 May 2011 16:35 Go to previous messageGo to next message
A Hamilto is currently offline  A Hamilto   United States
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Robert Mueller wrote on Mon, 02 May 2011 23:15

9) Attach grease gun to the grease zerk and pump grease into the bearing until you can see fresh grease coming out between the seal and the CV joint.
I could live with that, but I was under the impression that if you do that, you have "blown out" the seal (not actually displaced the seal itself, just changed the orientation of the edge that presses against the axle from "facing" the nut end to "facing" the cv joint, thereby rendering it unable to hold grease and allowing dirt in). Anyway, my ride is pretty stock, so I don't think anyone has ever installed zerks. When I get around to jacking it up and working on it, I will have to decide if I am going to stay with stock bearings or upgrade to the 1-ton. Since I don't have bearing tools, I thought I would take the knuckle/bearing assemblies off and send to JimB to get them greased and zerks installed. If it less expensive to install a Hubler kit, I will go that route.
Re: Installing Grease Zerks For Front Wheel Bearings [message #124504 is a reply to message #124224] Tue, 03 May 2011 21:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Firefly is currently offline  Firefly   United States
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I didn't know JB did the zerk upgrade; I had him do three knuckle rebuilds so far and it was never offered to me as an option.

In hindsight, I do wish I had known about the Hubler option before that happened, of course, but as Jim told me that he would not install the 80 mm caliper upgrade up front, nor a disc conversion in the back because of liability concerns, I did assume that he would espouse the same policy towards the Hubler option.

Now that I am back to work, that conversation may be on the horizon.

How much is a Hubler conversion? Is it in "kit" form?

I saw a slide show and it mentioned in the bill of materials that 3" aluminum spacers were still required to equalize the width with the rear tire track; isn't there any way to extend the axles and control arms to achieve the extra width without placing extra/undue strain on the wheel hub & bearing?

Air Ride Technologies makes GM 3500 Control Arms with air bag mounts and I was wondering whether chromoly-constructed control arms would give us any better capability to adapt the 1-tom setup. If the stock 3500 is too short as I suspect, a longer setup could be developed that alters the baseline angle of the upper ball joint to compensate for the higher altitude and aspect ratio; this was done in the early days of Mustang suspension research by adding a simple billet wedge under the ball joint to cant it over so it would not bind. Since the GM coach is ten times the Mustang's weight, a wedge may not be the best implementation of a sound concept in this case - a welded wedge or modified/canted mounting position would be more practical and inherently stronger.

Does anyone know about the 3500 suspension in relation to our coach's?

Using air bags to supplement the torsion bar suspension would be an interesting experiment, especially with the option to use either single or double-adjustable (compression and rebound) integrated shock absorbers. The ride could be amazing.



Mark Scoble, Lunenburg, MA - 1973 23' Palm Beach Stretched to 32' and in residence at the GMC Co-Op in Orlando, FL
Re: Installing Grease Zerks For Front Wheel Bearings [message #124508 is a reply to message #124504] Tue, 03 May 2011 22:04 Go to previous messageGo to next message
A Hamilto is currently offline  A Hamilto   United States
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Firefly wrote on Tue, 03 May 2011 21:31

I didn't know JB did the zerk upgrade
I don't know for sure that he does. I was going on info from a post where Dave King told Robin Hood to send his bearing/knuckle assemblies to Jim Bounds for rebuild and Mr. Fisher advised Robin to "make sure they put a zerk fitting in the knuckle..."
Where can I get the knuckles drilled and zerks installed?
Re: Installing Grease Zerks For Front Wheel Bearings [message #124515 is a reply to message #124508] Tue, 03 May 2011 22:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
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See Dave Lenzi for sure or maybe Chuck Boyd. I sent mine Fedex ground and had them back with new bearings and the drilling done with zerks in about 1 week.

Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: [GMCnet] Installing Grease Zerks For Front Wheel Bearings [message #124537 is a reply to message #124454] Wed, 04 May 2011 07:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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Location: Sydney, Australia
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Mark,

8) Push the front axles (CV joints) inwards as much as possible.

This disengages the seal COMPELETLY from the CV joint and leaves a gap that
the grease can flow through.

By the way this is the way Dave Lenzi greases his front bearings.

Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426


-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Mark
Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2011 5:35 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Installing Grease Zerks For Front Wheel Bearings



Robert Mueller wrote on Mon, 02 May 2011 23:15
> 9) Attach grease gun to the grease zerk and pump grease into the bearing
until you can see fresh grease coming out between the seal and the CV joint.
I could live with that, but I was under the impression that if you do that,
you have "blown out" the seal (not actually displaced the seal itself, just
changed the orientation of the edge that presses against the axle from
"facing" the nut end to "facing" the cv joint, thereby rendering it unable
to hold grease and allowing dirt in). Anyway, my ride is pretty stock, so I
don't think anyone has ever installed zerks. When I get around to jacking
it up and working on it, I will have to decide if I am going to stay with
stock bearings or upgrade to the 1-ton. Since I don't have bearing tools, I
thought I would take the knuckle/bearing assemblies off and send to JimB to
get them greased and zerks installed. If it less expensive to install a
Hubler kit, I will go that route.
--
'73 23' CanyonLands
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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Installing Grease Zerks For Front Wheel Bearings [message #124553 is a reply to message #124537] Wed, 04 May 2011 09:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
A Hamilto is currently offline  A Hamilto   United States
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Robert Mueller wrote on Wed, 04 May 2011 07:32

Mark,

Cool Push the front axles (CV joints) inwards as much as possible.

This disengages the seal COMPELETLY from the CV joint and leaves a gap that the grease can flow through.

By the way this is the way Dave Lenzi greases his front bearings.

Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
It seems to me that even with the zerk you have to push the front axels inward. In that case, why not just buy a Chuck Aulger front bearing greaser from JimK and forget about drilling the knuckles?
Re: Installing Grease Zerks For Front Wheel Bearings [message #218427 is a reply to message #124224] Thu, 15 August 2013 08:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lw8000 is currently offline  lw8000   United States
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Senior Member
Just a general question on this discussion...

I understand that the original instructions in the manual for the front bearings maintenance procedures were written before synthetic grease. With modern synthetic grease (that is not supposed to dry up and/or separate like the dino grease), is it still necessary for this procedure, or at least as often? My understanding is that synthetic should last a lot longer and doesn't break down as easily.

The reason I'm asking is our GMC is currently in the shop and they are going to replace the front bearings. They will be packing the new bearings with Amsoil synthetic grease. We've talked to them about adding the zerks, but with the long life and different characteristics of synthetic grease I am wondering if the zerks are really necessary.

Just wanted to get some feedback. Thanks for the great information!

--
Chris


Chris S. - 77 Kingsley, 3.70 FD, mostly OEM - S.E. Michigan

[Updated on: Thu, 15 August 2013 08:26]

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Re: [GMCnet] Installing Grease Zerks For Front Wheel Bearings [message #218428 is a reply to message #218427] Thu, 15 August 2013 08:39 Go to previous messageGo to next message
powerjon is currently offline  powerjon   United States
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Senior Member
Chris,
IMPHO I would suggest that you do install the grease zerks for the front bearings. You could get 80 to 100 thousand mile out of your bearings by greasing them at least once a year. I know that Dave Lenzi has over 80 K miles on the set he has in the coach and when checked them last year they looked new. He grease twice a year because of the miles he does each year. Synthetic greases may not break down as easily but the fresh grease flushes out any dirt that may have got by the seals.

JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion
Michigan

On Aug 15, 2013, at 9:25 AM, LW <tux@apex-internet.com> wrote:

>
>
> Just a general question on this discussion...
>
> I understand that the original instructions in the manual for the front bearings maintenance procedures were written before synthetic grease. With modern synthetic grease (that is not supposed to dry up and/or separate like the dino grease), is it still necessary for this procedure? My understanding is that synthetic should last a lot longer and doesn't break down as easily.
>
> The reason I'm asking is our GMC is currently in the shop and they are going to replace the front bearings. They will be packing the new bearings with Amsoil synthetic grease. We've talked to them about adding the zerks, but with the long life and different characteristics of synthetic grease I am wondering if the zerks are really necessary.
>
> Just wanted to get some feedback. Thanks for the great information!
>
> --
> Chris
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
Re: [GMCnet] Installing Grease Zerks For Front Wheel Bearings [message #218429 is a reply to message #218427] Thu, 15 August 2013 08:41 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
powerjon is currently offline  powerjon   United States
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
Senior Member
Forgot to add the link for the drawings.

http://www.bdub.net/pictures/birch/Birch-HubZerk.jpg

JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion
Michigan

On Aug 15, 2013, at 9:25 AM, LW <tux@apex-internet.com> wrote:

>
>
> Just a general question on this discussion...
>
> I understand that the original instructions in the manual for the front bearings maintenance procedures were written before synthetic grease. With modern synthetic grease (that is not supposed to dry up and/or separate like the dino grease), is it still necessary for this procedure? My understanding is that synthetic should last a lot longer and doesn't break down as easily.
>
> The reason I'm asking is our GMC is currently in the shop and they are going to replace the front bearings. They will be packing the new bearings with Amsoil synthetic grease. We've talked to them about adding the zerks, but with the long life and different characteristics of synthetic grease I am wondering if the zerks are really necessary.
>
> Just wanted to get some feedback. Thanks for the great information!
>
> --
> Chris
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist



J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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