How to Stick a Bearing

Bearings are an important part of the wheels that allow machines, such as cars and bicycles, to turn smoothly and support the weight of the vehicle body. A bearing is a metallic sphere that sits within the body of the axle components that connect to each wheel or turning part. In vehicles, a bearing can become rusted and damaged when the seal holding the lubricant within the axle components is damaged and water enters the seal.

Things You'll Need

  • Spoon
  • Grease
  • Ratchet body
  • Top race
  • Cloth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wipe each bearing with a clean cloth to ensure it is free from dust, dirt or old grease that may contaminate the other bearings and the grease used as a lubricant. On a bicycle, the ratchet body holds bearings to aid the turning of the wheels and pedal arms; the interior of the ratchet body should also be wiped clean of contaminants.

    • 2

      Remove a small amount of grease from a tub using a spoon. Dip a finger in the grease on the spoon and spread grease around the top of the recessed part of the ratchet body, known as the bearing race.

    • 3

      Place the bearings one by one into the grease until a ring of bearings a single layer in depth has been formed around the bearing race. Drop the remainder of the parts of the ratchet body into place over the bearings and screw into place.

    • 4

      Rub grease around the interior of the top ring of the ratchet body that has just been screwed into place. Place bearings into the grease one by one, in the same way as the first bearing installation.

    • 5

      Screw the top race that forms the seal around the bearings into place. This is usually screwed counter clockwise to allow it to be tightened sufficiently to stop contaminants entering the seal.