Cleaning old grease from hub/bearings

[Kenny3Times]

what solvent do you guys recommend to clean out old grease from your hubs/bearings? I've read gasoline can leave an unwanted film... Thoughts?

[catdude28]

Just did mine. Used brake cleaner

[lpugh]

Use nothing except towels, if any type of cleaners are used they should then be ran thru very hot soapy water bath, do not spin them with a air bower to dry, highly recommend just wipe them down thoroughly and inspect, use a bearing to force the grease thru the bearing

[TopgunZ521C]

Gasoline then let the parts sit for a couple of hours you man use compressed air to get all the gas removed from bearings.

[lpugh]

Gas is one the worst things to use, see my post above , just wipe the old away and press in the new with a packer, You are doing far more harm than good using any solvents to clean wheel bearings, Greased bearing will run much surface temps when cleaned with solvents then greased. Ever notices a bearing roller's that have a blue or gold color to them, (SOLVENTS or GAS), The solvent residue is difficult to remove when in the pores of the metal surface. You may never have problem but you have invited trouble by using solvents

[Redngoo]

I have always used envirosolvent. Never have seen anytype of bluing or the caramel coloring caused from heat. This product cleans very good and is residue free

[CatFan]

Kerosene or diesel fuel. You don’t have the flash risk you have with gasoline.

[D-wayne]

Grease is oil in a suspension.
Try a very light oil to remove the heavey stuff then soapy water to remove the light oil.
Inspection is best done by feel. If you find any irregularities replace them and the races.

[Bass Cat Boats]

Anything that cleans the bearing is acceptable. There often is glazing on bearings if they have been run drier, or needed tension adjustment. That glazing is heat hardening the grease and other deposits on the rollers. You must remove all glazing and have clean bearings before reassembly. Races also should be cleaned where bearings were not fully in contact and glazing exists.

We find gasoline is fine if they are cleaned of residue as it often won’t cut glazing. Carburetor cleaner has helped as has ether in some cases. Soap and water is fine if you don’t let the bearing develop light rust. That’s our concern as they dry with any water base.

BCB