MTFCA Forum

Prior to final assembly, does the rear axle inner bearing get packed with wheel bearing grease like the outer bearings or does it get dipped in rear axle gear oil?

Grease - Watch this video and see the proper sequence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfxWPsF4KhQ

That video shows the outer wheel bearing, not the inner axle bearing that I think Dan is asking about.

Inner bearing does not get packed in grease, it runs in oil. You can use assembly lube particularly if you are not going to fill the pumpkin or run it any time soon.

Whether or not you pack the inner bearing with grease, it will leach into the lube oil. The outer bearing should be greased regularly. Actually grease in the outer bearing will prolong the life of the bearing and also help keep the oil from seeping out onto the brake lining.
Norm

Squirrel wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 19, 2020 4:35 pm

That video shows the outer wheel bearing, not the inner axle bearing that I think Dan is asking about.

Thanks for the correction - dyslexia struck again. 600W rear axle grease https://www.modeltford.com/item/600W.aspx is available. Other options will follow

When I ever have to pull the rear axle from Henrietta, it will be interesting to see what I find. When getting her ready for a return to the road, I pulled the drain plug to check the oil level, as the amount of gunk I had removed from inside the brake drums was considerable. The filler hole was caked with soft, brown grease. I dug through it and all I could come up with was more of the same, so I just replaced the plug and have continued to drive her. Apart from the metallic grinding I can detect from the right side, the noise going away when I jetison my right hearing aid, the whole thing is as quiet as a lamb.

Allan from down under.

I like your diagnostic aid Allan
My wife runs with it always on.
I think that the ruckstell guys recommend hypoid gear oil if you have a Ruckstell rear end.
I don't think that grease would be a bad idea. Help keep the oil out of the outer bearing..

So since the inner bearing is lubricated normally by the rear differential oil, then I guess it makes sense to dip it in the oil before assembly. I could pack it with grease but I assume it’ll get washed away over time and there’s no way to regrease it from the outside. Some lubricants don’t play nice with each other which is why I asked.

It’s funny because most folks call the rear differential lubricant grease and not oil. This makes it even more confusing.

Any other opinions or matters of fact?

might be an opinion, might be a matter of fact, I don't know? But yesterday when I had to decide what to put on those bearings, I used gear oil. And I packed the outer wheel bearings with grease. Because it makes sense to me, to use their normal lubricant as assembly lube.

Following up for the next guy who finds this in a forum search looking for the same info.

The Ford Service Manual is very clear that the inner bearing is assembled with cup grease prior to installing on the axle shaft. The MTFCA Ruckstell book also says as much.

I’ll pack it with wheel bearing grease just like the outside ones.

Repeat after me:
I will check the Ford Service Manual before posting.
I will check the Ford Service Manual before posting.
I will check the Ford Service Manual before posting.
I will check the Ford Service Manual before posting.
I will check the Ford Service Manual before posting.....

I checked the Ford manual before posting.



(it still doesn't make any sense to me to use grease....but if you want to, go for it! Henry knew it was OK)

They call the 600w oil grease. Rear axle “grease”, 600W Oil. Heavy weight clinging type oil specifically made for the Model T rear end. https://www.modeltford.com/item/600W.aspx I also read where some use #2 red grease on the bearings and thrust plates to keep things stuck together during assembly.

Don't overthink it. A film of anything will do it until you get it assembled and filled. Consider this though -- if you dip those bearings in oil and assemble it in a fixture with the unit turned in its side it's all going to come running straight down onto your shoes before you get it back down level before the axle is in and if the seals aren't first in place.

TRDxB2 wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 23, 2020 11:04 pm

They call the 600w oil grease. Rear axle “grease”, 600W Oil. Heavy weight clinging type oil specifically made for the Model T rear end. https://www.modeltford.com/item/600W.aspx I also read where some use #2 red grease on the bearings and thrust plates to keep things stuck together during assembly.

Yes, but this is different than cup grease which is typical wheel bearing grease. That much I know!