re: 105: repacking wheel bearings

[James Montebello <jamesm@domain.elided>]

My mistake.  I *thought* I was quoting the CarDisc version of the
Alfetta manual (that's what's included on the GTV6/Milano CarDisc),
dated March 1978.  However, as Rich points out, it does state 55 grams,
not 20 grams, per bearing "spreading it uniformly inside and on the
sides of the bearings".  It also states:

  Do not exceed this quantity, to prevent the bearing from being
  overloaded, thus causing overheating, loss of grease, etc.

It later states to lubricate the stub axle and oil seal lip with grease
(no quantity specified), and to apply diff oil to the oil seal during
installation (probably just to help seat it).  Since nothing turns on
the stub axle, I'm going to assume this is mostly a rust-preventative
and a dirt trap, so very little should be necessary.

It doesn't say anything about packing the hub recess, so there is some
inconsistency between manuals.

I stand by my statement that 55 grams is still a lot less grease than most
people seem to use, based on pulling apart the hubs on three different
Alfas (and replacing wheel bearings on two of them).  Completely filling
the hub with the stuff is definitely using too much.

james montebello

On Tue, 4 Feb 2003, Rich Hirsch wrote:

> James Montebello wrote:
>
> >> Can't speak directly for the 105, but the manual for the 116 states
> that only 20 *grams* of grease should be used per bearing.  <<
>
> And,
>
> >> It doesn't mention packing any grease into the hub itself, since only the
> bearings
> are taking any load.  <<
>
> Not sure what manual James got this info out of, but the tech manuals
> I have for the Alfetta/Milano cars I have call for
>
> 55g grease for front wheel bearings (Alfetta Inspection Specs, #2364, p.
> 21-5)
> 50g grease for front wheel bearings (Milano manual from IAP, p. 21-7)
>
> AND the Milano manual actually says to "pack hub recess with 50g of grease."
>
> (Workshop manual I have for 115 spider says to use 65g grease, which makes
> sense since the bearing/recess in the spider is larger.)
>
> For a description of how to pack a wheel bearing, see the article at the i
> Saluti
> website at:
>
> http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/downs/3837/whlbear.html
>
> It's a modified version of a procedure given at the CR
> website: www.chicago-rawhide.com
>
> Rich Hirsch
> St Louis, MO
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