Re: '56 Rear Axle Bearings

Posted by Tim Cole On 2013/10/6 12:00:06

Actually sealed bearings have longer service lives than regular bearings regardless of service methods. With the advent of the lithium complex long life thickeners petroleum research engineers found the primary detriment to service life was corrosion. Once a good seal was developed the new greases didn't deteriorate.

Today greases like Exxon Infinitec have service lives that are longer than the life of the vehicle.

They found the same to be true of suspension parts. As long as the vehicle isn't submerged, greasing chassis parts introduces dirt and moisture into the system that reduces service life compared to sealed chassis parts. Thus, no more grease fittings except for off road applications.