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Most all of the 5/8 spindle bearings come packed with grease. I suggest to remove one seal and totally
get the grease out. A strong spraying can of carb cleaner will do it. As shown in the illustration above, I use a syringe
like a diabetic may use to lube the front hubs. Just take a little bottle cap, spray a little Tri-Flow in it and draw about
2 units of the lube.
These bearings are sealed on both sides so you have to work the needle between the seal and
the bearing race, you can leave the inside seal off for easier lubing and cleaning not having to use the syringe. We do this
to our karts every week. It really keeps the bearings spinning free and the dirt out.
The problem with bearings
is not so much the dirt but the water and dirt combined from washing the kart. Dirt after washing will settle to the bottom
of the bearing. I recommend not washing the kart with the wheels on. Water gets trapped in the bearings and creates rust.
Axle bearings are different, we will cover this later.
Rust will ruin a bearing quicker than dirt. The bearings
are so small that unless you had them in your hand trying to spin them, you will never notice any problems. So when you wash
the kart remove your front wheels. Keep the hubs dry. By adding a little lube to the bearings the lube will always start coming
out during spinning but will also keep the dust out and they will never rust. I recommend to check and perform this at least
every two nights of racing.
And always check your hub bearings for wear and slack that could hinder your chassis
setup.
Axle Bearings
If you do not have removable bearing
covers, get some. They will be the first thing needed for proper axle bearing maintenance. Next time you need to
change bearings look for kits with the covers, if the shields and seals are still in the bearing make sure you remove them
on the extended side of the bearing before installing the removable shield.
We suggest cleaning bearings with carb
cleaner, WD40 or brake clean while spinning the axle. Remove any solution left with compressed air and use good lite weight
engine oil or Tri-Flow.
 
E-Mail Randy Major
Major Racing Home Page
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