Bearing caps/hubcaps

[SteveG]

I plan on re-greasing the wheel bearings soon.

Does anyone know if the hubcaps are used to lube the bearings?

SteveG

[chetbrz]

Steve,

I don't believe the hubcaps were used for grease since centrifugal force would only push the grease to the outer depths of the hubcaps.  I haven't gotten around to it yet but I was thinking that you may be able to find a grease cap that would fit the inner hub dimension and still allow for the hubcaps to go over the grease cap.  Of course I an speaking about a 29 or possibly a 1930 Plymouth.  Not sure about others   But in answer to the direct question I would say No, not intended for grease recirculation.

Chet...

[29plycoop]

in my opinion the caps on the '29-30 are decorative and to keep out dirt only. If you remove, clean and repack the wheel bearings with clean grease they will operate a very long time. All the extra grease in the world will do nothing. A standard practice used to be to fill the hub between the two bearings with grease but that was more for having some spare grease on hand to change a bearing on the road then for doing any lubrication. A bearing will lub itself if packed full to begin with. Then put a thin layer on top the rollers before installing it in the race. Happy Motoring. - Rich