Burned grease in the wheel bearings is usually due to dragging or overheated
brakes or over greased bearings. Yes you can over grease a bearing housing.
If the elements have to constantly push through and churn the grease it can
overheat it.  The rear wheel bearings tend to last a good long time and with
good grease require little service.  My method with the grease needle has
worked well on many vehicles for many years. As for parts I have yet to have
a problem with a new bad rear bearing and properly packed the seals are not
challenged. It also may not be a good idea to document that you knowingly
overload your vehicle.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jonce Fancher
Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2012 10:25 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: rear axles (STUB)

Hi all
CV Joint Axles Or Dog Bones are the easy part of the Axle.

How about the Stub Axle or Axle Shaft that goes into the Wheel Bearing
housing and Wheel Hub. Few Years ago I pulled the Brakes and the Wheel Hub
and thick Oil that stunk dripped out of the seal on the wheel Bearing
housing.
Sorta burned grease smell.
Of course I was leaving in a few days for a Long travel. Everything was
tight and smooth so I took a syringe and filled up between the roller
bearings with Grease and put it back together.
I do know it is on Borrowed time and need to pull apart, Inspect and or
fully rebuild or swap out the whole gig.

Anyone do that!
This one seems like a bit more time. Anyone with experience with this one??
AND where do you find the Parts needed for this? Quality Parts Not Junk
since I do use my Camper for camping and do overload it.
I have done most everything on the Van but this. But there is always
something to do to it or would not be a Vanagon!

Thanks Jonce