Stan,

Very interesting input.

The mechanic that replaced the bearings was concerned that CV Molly lube
was used.

Didn't feel it was the correct choice.

The original shop that used the CV Molly .... Said "It's the best choice
for wheel bearings".

Anxious to hear what others have to say.

Lar

-----Original Message-----
From: Stan Wilder [mailto:wilden1@juno.com]
Sent: Monday, April 28, 2003 3:22 PM
To: roadguy@ROADHAUS.COM
Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: RoadHaus - Premature wheel bearing failure

OK I'm going to give you a guys a chance to call me crazy.
Here goes!
Back in the 60s I was a manufacturers rep for Mollo-O a Molybdenum
lubricant. The factory said "Never use Molybdenum Grease on anything
that looks like a needle bearing". That fits the description of Vanagon
rear axle bearings to a T. I replaced my rear bearings 30K ago and they
seem fine (no rumbling and the seals are still good) lubed them with
generic universal grease. When you look at the bearings you remove pay
careful attention to see if they have flat spots on the rollers, that is
a sure sign of the symptoms that Molly-O factory cautioned me about
.......... molybdenum simply turns needle bearings into bushings. OK now
back to why nobody told me NOT TO put a tach on this 66 Splittie. The
RPMs at 65 / 70 MPH are something you don't want to know on a type I
engine.

Stan Wilder

On Mon, 28 Apr 2003 14:20:00 -0600 Larry Chase <roadguy@ROADHAUS.COM>
writes:
> Volks,
>
> Trying to figure out why my two rear wheel bearings failed after 3000
> miles.
>
>
> Observations:
>
> 1. The large nuts that hold both bearings were tight .. no concerns of
> improper torque.
>
> 2. Both bearings seem to be greased with CV Molly ...  is this an
> appropriate lube for wheel bearings?
>
> 3.. Both bearings were well lubed on the outside surface but did not
> have much lubrication on the inside/ backside.
>
> 4. The snap ring behind the outside bearing looked as if it hadn't
> been disturbed during the last bearing install.
>
> Any thoughts?
>
> Note .... front bearings were also replaced 3k miles ago  .... they
> seem fine.
>
>
>
> "people don't take trips, trips take people",
>
> John Steinbeck ... Travels with Charley
>
> Larry Chase
> Email: RoadGuy@RoadHaus.com
> Web:
>
<file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/RoadHaus/Application%20Data/Micro
> soft/Signatures/www.RoadHaus.com> www.RoadHaus.com
> What: North American Road Trip
> How: RoadHaus - 1990 VW Westfalia Syncro
> Today: Denver, CO
>
>

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