1) Wash the bearings out in some white spirit.  Petrol is better, but I don't advise using it because of the safety factors.  The white spirit will remove 90% of the old oil and muck.

2) Place the bearings onto a clean piece of rag and allow to dry off.

3) Next - wash the bearings through with a few drops of lighter fuel ***.  You will probably see a little residue washed out onto the cloth.  Again, allow to dry off.

4) Re lubricate the bearings with a few drops of oil.  Use SAE 30 (the old favourite for lawn mower engines) or 3 in 1 oil is fine.  Alternatively some enthusiasts prefer to use the specialist bearing lubricants like Rocket Fuel.

5) When replacing the bearings, apply just a small smear of grease to assist bed them in.

6) *** Lastly, an alternative to flushing with lighter fuel is to give them a quick squirt of Wynn's Carburettor cleaner, however be careful where you use this stuff as it does funny things to rubber and plastic.  You must not use this on bearings with nylon seals.

Note: Always spin the bearings when nearly dry, right next to your ear.  If you can detect a slight rattle or rumble, that means the hardened steel balls inside are pitted and starting to corrode.  Time to replace them, or even upgrade to ceramic bearings.

Whatever your bearing needs - Reel Value can help.

If the bearing needs replacing - then contact Paul Bright at Reel Value.

Reel Value
PO Box 133
Newton Abbot
TQ12 5XE

Web Site: www.reelvalue.co.uk      Email: enquiries@reelvalue.co.uk

 
(c) Paul Bright - Reel Value - 25th June 2003