?1.doe's wheel bearing grease have expiration date?

[thebrain]

?1.doe's wheel bearing grease have expiration date?
I have'nt used the boat trailer for about 8 years I believe the the bearing where packed w/ grease before storage. I have jaked up one wheel this wheel did'nt spin freely, I removed the front bearing it looks new no pitting all bearing intact apparently the grease worked it's way out.

?2.Maybe I can just repack both bearing install new grease seal and then if the wheel spins freely be done?

?3.the grease thats left inside the hub looks new and blueish should all this old grease be removed?

?4. just how much grease should be inside the hub it's currently half full?

?5.I have a trailer master lock on the ball attachment I can't find the key for what are my options? are these ML pickable? are replacement keys available from ML? or will I have to get out the hack saw? Thanks TB

 

[alldodge]

?1.doe's wheel bearing have expiration date?
I have'nt used the boat trailer for about 8 years I believe the the bearing where packed w/ grease before storage. I have jaked up one wheel this wheel did'nt spin freely, I removed the front bearing it looks new no pitting all bearing intact apparently the grease worked it's way out.

No, so long as rust doesn't get to them they will last forever. The front bearing looks good but it didn't spin freely, my guess is water got to the inside bearing.

?2.Maybe I can just repack both bearing install new grease seal and then if the wheel spins freely be done?

Yes if the bearings are not pitted, remove the bearings, clean in diesel fuel or kerosene then repack if they are ok. To repack the bearings you need to get the grease inside the bearing. You either need a bearing packer, or put grease in one hand and push the grease in the bearing by pushing it in. There are some youtube vids

?3.the grease thats left inside the hub looks new and blueish should all this old grease be removed?

No, just leave it there

?4. just how much grease should be inside the hub it's currently half full?

You want an ample supply, but does not need a lot. It doesn't hurt anything if it is full. If you have grease fittings to fill the axle then having it full is the norm.

?5.I have a trailer master lock on the ball attachment I can't find the key for what are my options? are these ML pickable? are replacement keys available from ML? or will I have to get out the hack saw? Thanks TB

A locksmith can probably open it. Don't know where to find another key. Might be easier to cut it off with a grinding wheel and buy another lock

 

[gm280]

No, there are no expiration dates on bearings. As long as they look good without any rust or wear, they will work forever properly lubed... Yes you can repack the bearings and install new seals and use them again. I personally would wash out all the old grease and install new grease so that I know all greases are compatible and not two different types. I mean grease is really cheap. If you install some bearing buddies you actually fill up the entire hub with grease and that helps keep out any water that could seep in. Regular dust cap setups won't be able to be totally filled without a zerk fitting installed. As far as the master lock, you can try picking it, but if you value your time, cut it off and buy a new one with a couple keys and put one key in a place you won't loose it...

 

[thebrain]

woops I edit title

doe's wheel bearing grease have expiration date?

 

[alldodge]

woops I edit title

doe's wheel bearing grease have expiration date?

does grease have an expiration date ... Nope, just like oil, it never wears out it only needs to be changed due to getting dirty

 

[ondarvr]

Yes grease does have a shelf life, grease is oil with fillers ( thixitropes) added to make it thick and stay in place. Over time the oil starts to drain out of the fillers and it becomes less effective.

​Also, oil has a shelf life, not so much the base oil it's made from, but the final mix of base oil and all the other things they add to it to fine tune it for the designed purpose. The mix of base oil and many additives begins to separate over time, plus some ingredients break down and loose their desired properties, making the mix less effective. The time frame of the degradation is the unknown, its not going to go bad in a year or so in an unopened sealed container, but once opened the clock starts ticking. Even unopened it will start to break down, just at as much slower rate.

With the relatively low cost of grease and oil just buy fresh stuff.

 

[UncleWillie]

All locks are Pickable if you know how.
If you have to pay someone else to pick it, it will cost more than the value of the lock.
If your lock is of any quality at all, the metal will be case hardened harder than the metal of a file or a hacksaw.
You will never be able to even put a scratch in it. Grind Cuttiing or Shearing with Bolt Cutters are an option.
You can try the hacksaw just for fun if you want to be impressed at how hard steel can be when hardened. It is impressive!

 

[MTboatguy]

Just clip it with a set of bolt cutters and spend a few bucks for a new lock, it is cheaper and way less frustrating.

 

[GA_Boater]

After 8 years inside the hub, why chance it? Re-pack 'em.