Rear wheel bearing grease nipples

[Muganic]

Who leaves the grease nipples in the back axle after greasing the wheel bearings?

[soth122003]

I do. Most mechanics now a days don't know squat about greasing cars. So I usually do it myself. If I have a mech do it, I make sure he is trusted.

 

Joe Lee

[keithb7]

I pull the plug. I use a large syringe. Low pressure. Squeeze in some grease. Re-insert plug. My understanding is you should never be using a grease gun,  as it builds too much pressure?

Edited February 6, 2021 by keithb7

[Go Fleiter]

Keith, I too think so!

High pressure could let grease pass the seals!

Greetings! Go

[Doug&Deb]

I’m pretty sure you shouldn’t leave the grease fittings in the axle. I believe there is interference. That’s why plugs are there instead of fittings. I remove the plug and press grease in by hand.

[soth122003]

I think the main reason for not leaving the fittings in was over greasing of the bearing. It only takes 1/2 once of grease per fitting. All other fittings you can see the excess grease coming out, but with the rear wheel bearings the excess would be pushed past the grease seal and into the hub possibly greasing your brake shoes. You can use a low pressure grease gun, but only about 2-3 pumps is all you need.

 

Joe Lee

Edited February 6, 2021 by soth122003

[greg g]

The reason there are no zerk fittings there is that those are not designed to be pressure lubed.  The service manual says to pull the cap and thumb in some grease the re install the cap.  Pressure even from a small hand gun will bypass the seal, and push on the backing plate potentially contaminating brake friction material.

Edited February 7, 2021 by greg g