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MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - Care and Feeding of Sealed Bearings

Went to my local bearing supplier this morning to pick up a new set of bearings for the53. Not only did they have in stock, they had the sealed version. I gobbled them right at about $75US for the four bearings. On the way out the door the supplier asked me how I was going to lube them. Duh!! Hadn't thought about it. Part of my brain figured that they were self-lubed forever. He said that some folks remove the seal from the axle grease side when they install them and pack them like you would a standard bearing. Any thoughts? Bud
Bud Krueger

bud, what bearings are you replacing with sealed bearings?
you could always buy one of those "hypodermic needle on one end and zerk fitting on the other end" sealed bearing greaser attachments for your grease gun. regards, tom
tom peterson

Bud,
I used sealed bearings for my front wheels and were purchased at a bearing supply house. I asked how long before I would have to service the bearings and was advised that they would never need service. It would be great to think that so, but every spring I find my self spinning the front wheels and listening for any sound from them. So far, all is quiet and smooth after 8 years on the road. I was advised at the time that I could get the seals with both sides sealed or just one side sealed. It would seem like a good idea if used on the rear axle, a single side seal would work, with inside open for lub from the diff. I didn't "pack" my rear wheel bearings when I changed the axles. They were well luded in the usual manner.

George
George Raham [TD4224]

Tom, they are the front wheel bearings. You might look at my other recent wheel bearing removal thread.

George, thanks for the info. These are sealed on both sides. Bud
Bud Krueger

Bud,
Please explain,,, Did you supplier really mean that they didn't have any grease in them????????? OR was he just indicating that they will eventually need to be greased???

SPW
STEVE WINCZE

Neither, Steve. He just asked the question. I'm hoping to hear from folks who have been there. So far, George is the only one. I think LaVerne went this route. I'm hoping to hear from him, but he may be on the road.
BTW, these are going into 'the53' that I plan to sell just as soon as I can get it back together. Bud
Bud Krueger

I guess "Old School" and the fact that I recently had to replace the "sealed" wheel bearings in my Cherokee make me want to grease them!!

SPW
STEVE WINCZE

Bud

I have used the sealed bearings in an MGA, a MGB and now in the TD. I have never had a bearing failure with these bearings and I have installed them on the front end. Like George, I do spin the wheels and check for smoothness and any noises but so far so good. The TD has been on the road 7 years now with no problems, The MGB has been well over ten years and until I retired was an everyday driver. The MGA was restored, driven by myself for a number of years and then sold locally. It may have new bearings now as the current owner has recently made a number of changes to brakes, suspension transmission and engine but reported no problems with bearings and he bought the car from me when I bought the TD in 1999.

I agree that "sealed for life" bearings sound too good to be true but they have worked well in my applications. As an aside I have always wondered who's life they are good for?


Brian
Brian Smith (1950 TD3376)

Thanks, Brian. I think I'll do a 'clean' installation. Bud
Bud Krueger

Hey Bud, would you post the part numbers?

Thanks,
Rich
Richard Taylor TD3983

Sure, Rich. The ones that I bought from the local bearing supplier are the KML Premium Series. Inner is their 6306-2RD-QE6, outer is 6304-2RD-QE6. I paid about $70 for the set (4 bearings). That was with a discount of about 25%. You might want to check the archives for more info and part numbers. Bud
Bud Krueger

Thanks Bud.
Richard Taylor TD3983

This thread was discussed between 03/10/2011 and 04/10/2011

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