Opinion n on this thrust bearing?

[Talkwrench]

Just fitted this thrust bearing and I don't think it's right. The bearing next to it is exactly the same they are Atena bearing looks USA made in Illinois. The one I took off has only been on for 18 months tops and if I was to spin that I'd only get a half turn out of it feels like it's loaded with grease ( like any other I've felt) this one feels like it's clean? Anyone fitted one that spins this free? https://youtu.be/ShFSkV_AIGQ

[Ken/Alabama]

I’d remove the bearing from the hub and pack it with grease then see how it feels.

[DavidG]

Not in my experience.

[JSeery]

Rumbleseat didn't like the grease they came with and washed it out. Then put a small hole in it to allow the grease he liked to be injected. Then sealed the hole. If anyone is interested I can post his article.

[Talkwrench]

The bearings are sealed.

[flatheadmurre]

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You can sometimes grease them...on the heavy trucks we stick something in to pry the seal lip gently then use highpressure aerosol grease if you can get the "straw" in you can ad lube...
Question is if it was a manufacturing flaw...and it has been dry...what kind of corrosion damage is done to the bearing itself ?

[51 MERC-CT]

It is possible that you have a 'shielded' bearing as opposed to a 'sealed' bearing.
The 'shielded' bearing supposedly can be lubricated.
The 'shielded' bearing also has less friction due to the lack of seals.

[DavidG]

Are there any holes in the inside of the bearing race that fits on the hub? That's how the '32-'34 bearings were originally greased via a grease cup and flex hose that connected to the hub.

[JSeery]

Here is Rumbleseats take on it:

"THROW-OUT BEARING LUBRICATION: These used to come packed with a relatively heavy high-temp quality grease. Then manufacturers went to a cheap thin grease and not much of it. Consequently, bearings no longer last. The cheap grease thins from the high temperatures generated in the clutch area and is soon slung out of the throw-out bearing. This not only causes the bearing to run relatively dry, it can also cause grease to get on the clutch and flywheel engagement surfaces which promotes clutch chatter and erratic engagement. One of the added benefits(?) is you get to listen to the throw-out bearing let out a blood curdling howl on cold days and in front of your buddies. Neat! While rotating the bearing slowly you can feel any bearing roughness. New throw-out bearings are lucky to last 15,000 to 20,000 miles before they start their howling act. (From rodnut: There are two or three different grades of throwout bearings.) A cure I use is to grease them myself .... new and used! These can be greased without much effort. I wash the new or used bearing in solvent until I’m certain all of the cheap grease used by the manufacturer is gone. Dry it without spinning it (low heat or compressed air). Drill a single 1/8" hole on the outer edge of the bearing (not in the engagement surface nor in the outer bearing race). This is pretty hard and a good bit is needed. Then I use a needle type U-joint grease zerk adapter and give it TWO shots of high temp grease. Rotate the bearing half way around and give it TWO more shots of grease. That’s all the grease it’ll need for well past 50,000 miles. Rotate the bearing several times to disperse the grease. I plug the 1/8" hole with a tiny sheet metal screw and some red Loctite or solder it shut. Either works. In my Ranchero, I’ve got over 200,000 miles on the same throw-out bearing using this method.... and this is after it first howled."

Never tried it myself.

[marko39]

Find one with a grease fitting , there should be plenty of Nors.
Ones available.

[Talkwrench]

Originally Posted by DavidG

Are there any holes in the inside of the bearing race that fits on the hub? That's how the '32-'34 bearings were originally greased via a grease cup and flex hose that connected to the hub.

No the bearing is sealed and all the ones Ive ever seen have been , And personally I wouldnt use and old one with a grease fitting , just been sitting around for 50 years or more I have another never used bearing [sealed] but its old and I didnt want to risk it has a bit of surface rust and unknown history, but that one to is firm to move around too.
Im just tempted to put the old one back on , was on for about 18 months

Not sure about drilling a hole in a sealed bearing and then trying to wash it

[Talkwrench]

Originally Posted by 51 MERC-CT

It is possible that you have a 'shielded' bearing as opposed to a 'sealed' bearing.
The 'shielded' bearing supposedly can be lubricated.
The 'shielded' bearing also has less friction due to the lack of seals.

No Merc if you see my for post they are two bearings from the same manufacturer definitely fully sealed , new one spins free, old one is firm and feels like its packed with grease....