I'm repacking the rear wheel bearings. I noticed that the inside bearing is just a regular bearing and should repack fine after I wash it. But my question is about the outer bearing, I noticed that the outside of the bearing is sealed, how do I clean and repack this bearing without destroying the seal?

Pack the whole hub with grease. The hub is similar to the front with the groove going around to pack with grease.

And since you already went to all the trouble of pulling it apart why not while your there replace them with new. That way you know that they are and will be safe for the next few years to come.

Saves from doing that job again.

I cleaned the inner bearing and am not to happy with the way it sounds. I've got the outer soaking in solvent to see if this cleans it up. I might just go with new. Piece of mind.

Hey Ed, If you've cleaned the bearings and you looked them over for discoloration or gauling/metal transfer, and they are ok from the visual once over. the next step is to actually spin them. If they make any sounds other than quite smooth spinning sounds they are shot! This method of checking bearings is an old timmers "rule of thumb". :devious:

Thanks Frank, The inner bearing cleaned up nicely. The outer bearing was kind of hard due to the outer seal. I was wondering if there was a "old timers" way of cleaning it.

Ed

Hey Ed, yes there is an old timmers way of cleaning bearing. If you don not have a solvent tank or a can of real sovlent, what you would use is a can of gas. Like a big coffe can half full of gas. Using the same kind of plastic solvent tank brush to scrube the piece clean. Then blow out carefully with compressed air/ shop air. Or let air dry. Not EPA approved but works real good! :devious: