Danger Exploding Wheel Bearing
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2007
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Danger Exploding Wheel Bearing
Just thought I would share my moment of stupidity with you all, it might save an injury.
While changing the front rotors on the 86 F350 I cleaned and rinsed the wheel bearings ready for some fresh grease. Well I thought it would be clever and use compressed air to dry them off, I used the air to spin dry one of the outer races after a short while there was a spark I blinked and the race EXPLODED.
Now the only injury is to my pocket as i now will have to buy bearings for both sides as I cant bear to to just one side on this kind of job.
BE SAFE
Steve
While changing the front rotors on the 86 F350 I cleaned and rinsed the wheel bearings ready for some fresh grease. Well I thought it would be clever and use compressed air to dry them off, I used the air to spin dry one of the outer races after a short while there was a spark I blinked and the race EXPLODED.
Now the only injury is to my pocket as i now will have to buy bearings for both sides as I cant bear to to just one side on this kind of job.
BE SAFE
Steve
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2007
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They had been soaking in a coffee can with "purple power" for a few days, a cleaner degreaser from advance, I just wanted to dry them and get then clean.
Mind you they were spinning fast in the air jet sounded like a turbo, trouble is one side is fitted up but I cant stand to do a job on one side only.
Steve
Mind you they were spinning fast in the air jet sounded like a turbo, trouble is one side is fitted up but I cant stand to do a job on one side only.
Steve
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,496
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From: So. Jersey
First off, Purple Power is great stuff. Back it up with a pressure washer and it will make anything look like new(especially a quad or dirty engine).
Second I can remember the first shop I worked in I was doing just what you did to dry out and thoruoghly clean the bearings when my foreman came running out of the office screaming. The way he tore into me I had nothing to say. After giving it some thought it made sense. Those bearings are pulling some G's and the cage isn't meant to hold them in at that speed.
Now I just spin them sssllooww in a rag when I'm cleaning them.
Second I can remember the first shop I worked in I was doing just what you did to dry out and thoruoghly clean the bearings when my foreman came running out of the office screaming. The way he tore into me I had nothing to say. After giving it some thought it made sense. Those bearings are pulling some G's and the cage isn't meant to hold them in at that speed.
Now I just spin them sssllooww in a rag when I'm cleaning them.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 207
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From: Sandy Lake, MB
I have cleaned bearings with compressed air but i will never spin them like you did again. I hurts like a b@*#c when the go. I had a piece of the bearing go through the webbing b/w 2 of my fingers. Didnt hurt right away though haha.
Now that i am an apprenticing mechanic i have learned that it will actually burn the bearing significantly reducing the life of it.
Just my 2 cents...
Now that i am an apprenticing mechanic i have learned that it will actually burn the bearing significantly reducing the life of it.
Just my 2 cents...
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Grosse Ile Mi.
Do not spin bearings with compressed air it will ruin the bearing and your fingers eyes.. what have you..
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Newberg Oregon
spinning bearings
Went to a truck shop years ago , big trucks ,and they had a picture of a guys arm that was broken in 3 places when a rear hub bearing he was spin drying locked up and twisted his arm, NOT pretty. Wish I had a copy, they said the guy never screamed or anything just passed out and hit the floor.
Dont spin em fast.
Dont spin em fast.
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