At what intervals are folks greasing their wheel bearings?  Does any 30MM grease bearing tool work for the fronts and backs?  I assumed they would be sealed in this day and age, but I know what happens when I ASSume things!!

Thanks!

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

At what intervals are folks greasing their wheel bearings?  Does any 30MM grease bearing tool work for the fronts and backs?  I assumed they would be sealed in this day and age, but I know what happens when I ASSume things!!

Thanks!

They are sealed or guarded. The greaser just forces grease in one side and out the other past the seals. It also pushes whatever is in the gap between the bearings into the bearing..and hope it all gets pushed through...usually does. You also hope the seal re-sets on those Chinese bearings cause if not..they are now unsealed. Not a believer in greasers myself but people do get added miles out of bearings with them so..if you are in water a lot...probably a good idea to use one sometimes.

Cool, thanks for the info.  I leave sealed bearings alone.  I just haven't made it that far yet in maintenance on this thing!  Not a lot of water riding but I pressure wash the heck out of it after every day of riding.

"Sealed bearing" can be misleading. They are not "sealed" in the sense that they are water tight. It's just a plastic barrier that keeps out most contaminants.

The "seals" are easily removed with a pick tool and installed with finger pressure.  Those that wish to pack the bearing by hand have to remove the "seal" first.

If you want bearings to last, you need to maintain them, and that means re-packing from time to time. The alternative is more frequent and involved replacement.

Using a bearing greaser tool is the easiest means of maintenance because the bearing doesn't have to be removed from the knuckle.

"Sealed bearing" can be misleading. They are not "sealed" in the sense that they are water tight. It's just a plastic barrier that keeps out most contaminants.

The "seals" are easily removed with a pick tool and installed with finger pressure.  Those that wish to pack the bearing by hand have to remove the "seal" first.

If you want bearings to last, you need to maintain them, and that means re-packing from time to time. The alternative is more frequent and involved replacement.

Using a bearing greaser tool is the easiest means of maintenance because the bearing doesn't have to be removed from the knuckle.

Thanks for the info.  When would you first think of greasing the bearings?  I bought my zforce on March 1 of this year and am at about 150 miles.  I know it all depends on riding conditions, etc., but is this something I should be looking at doing relatively soon?

Thanks,

Bob

I would grease them up first chance I got. They don't come with a lot of grease from the factory, but enough to keep them lubed if not submerged or contaminated. The more grease in them, the less room for water.

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

Riding conditions must have a lot to do with it. Mine are over 6 years old now and almost 1900 miles and even with spacers they are all still as tight as new...but there there isn't much water up here either to drive through.

Thanks everyone!  This is my first off road toy, coming from a motorcycle background.

I see I have been posting in the wrong location, my apologies.

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

I see I have been posting in the wrong location, my apologies.

I'll be moving it soon

Just one piece of advice.

IF YOU REMOVE THE AXLE NUT.

CHECK
CHECK
AND RECHECK!!!

That you have it back on correct.
Correct torque.

Then check again. If stake nuts, make sure to restake then. If castle nut, make sure to put the pin back in. And maybe get a few pins just in case

Don't  ask how I know.

Doug,

If the bearings are "sealed" shouldn't  they be removed, unsealed, then reinstalled, new hub seals. That way they can be greased on a regular basis without having to remove the hub? Just asking. I've seen greasers that just push in with a grease fitting on the end. To pump grease in the hub to grease bearings. Kinda like a bearing buddy for trailers.

There are many ways to skin a cat.

I've simply added grease and allowed the existing gunk to push out out past the "seals".