Solvent for cleaning wheel bearings?

[John in MN]

What is the preferred solvent for cleaning the old grease out of wheel bearings? I've heard gas and mineral spirits mentioned on this board. Recently someone posted not to use gas. Also how do you dry them? Just let them air (not compressed) dry?

[Phil T.]

Obviously, gasoline has a flammability hazard, but some of the other solvents have a serious cancer danger. Trichloroethene, for example is a known causer of leukemia.
I still use gasoline, or if I have it done at a service shop, they have a solvent wash tank.
Never use compressed air to dry a bearing. High-speed missles can result.

[walleyejig2000]

I use mineral spirits, then lightly airblast into a shop rag then finish off with brake cleaner.
Good luck!

[mikie]

My mechanic friends tell me that gasoline will form a film on the wheel bearings and prevent the grease from coating the bearing, resulting in overheating and lockups. Use a commercial-grade degreaser, check your NAPA jobber or auto parts store or take them to a service station for cleaning in their SafetyKleen tank.Now's the time, since the season is starting. Remember not to overfill your bearing buddies, I just replaced a seal on mine due to expansion caused by heat. good fishing! m

[medic]

I have always used gas be careful and clean them outside in fresh air away from sparks. Use a soft paint brush and clean them good and then blow off the bearing until dried . Do not let the bearing spin while blow drying it. Use a good hi-temp marine type (bearing grease) and put a glob in the palm of your hand and nip at it until you see grease come out the top. Work your way around turning the bearing until its all greased. Put wheel back together and tighten fully then back off nut one or to slots and insert cotter pin. Both grease and gas are oil products never had a problem with this as long as bearing is dry this was way I was showed in school and used for years as a mechanic. good luck fishing!

[PaulEngr]

Why clean them? If you took the time to disassemble the wheel bearings - replace them. I have a little experience with bearings - I'm guessing the COST for the bearings (by the manufacturer) to be 25 to 50 cents. You should be able to pick them up for a couple bucks?

[jim c]

cheap bearings from k mart etc. = $5.00 good bearings are about $10.00

[Troller]

Replace them if you have it torn down to that point!Other wise you might be sorry a month later travelling down the road to your favorite fishing hole!