How should you clean up axle bearings and components?

thspeller · Apr 27, 2020

Hi All,
I’m rebuilding each axle hub, swivel, brakes on the front of my series 3. Axle seal went so lots of smiley oil/grease mix in the bearings and components.

Any tips on how to clean up the parts - particularly, how do you clean the oil out of the hub bearings so they can be greased instead? Soak in white spirt, petrol, degreased....?

Thank you.

RP72 · Apr 27, 2020

Soak in de-greaser does the trick. I use the 'No Nonsense' stuff from Screwfix - does a pretty good job too depending on what mixing ratio is used. I think its reasonably priced for 5 litres - 8 or 9 quid I think.

Rodeo Joe · Apr 27, 2020

I use paraffin as a degreaser.

dag019 · Apr 28, 2020

Depending on what it is I have had good success with soaking things in a bowl of diesel to remove oil and grease. I have not tried it with bearings but don't see why it wouldn't work.
However unless the oil is contaminated I would not worry about removing the oil, just pack them with grease and the grease will force out the oil and combine with what is left either of which will work.

rob1miles · Apr 28, 2020

A bowl / buck of diesel is a good place to start. Its not as effective as petrol but a lot safer and kinder on your hands. A final spray with brake cleaner / degreaser leaves it clean and dry.

How should you clean up axle bearings and components?

thspeller

Active Member

RP72

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Rodeo Joe

Well-Known Member

dag019

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rob1miles

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