Sealed bearings

[simpleton7016]

Has anyone ever used sealed bearings for their wheels? I am changing ou tall the wheel bearings on my Terra Tiger and found this set on e-bay that matches the specs perfectly....except that they are sealed on both ends instead of being open on one end. Is double sealed a good or bad idea? On the one hand, you would think it would keep the dirt out, but at the same time, I would never be able to get new grease in. The price of these is just so tempting!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/4-6206-2RS-New-Q...item56352d24b4

[LarryW]

I just bought 6205 2RS Double Sealed Bearing 25mm x 52mm x 15mm for my 208tt and my little lil truck conversion attex. I havent ran them yet so I cant say though but I believe it should be fine and worth a shot.

[simpleton7016]

Well, if you were willing to give 'em a shot, then I guess that must mean it will be ok!

I was just not sure if the bearings (and the wear and tear they receive) need squirts of fresh new grease now and again? God knows I would love to NOT grease all the zirks, but the engineers originally designed the Terra Tigers with wheel bearings that are open on one side and with grease zirks to give 'em fresh grease.

Maybe there were no double sided sealed bearings 40 years ago? Maybe bearing grease is better today? Maybe they used open ended bearings to keep the cost down? I don't know. That's is why I am wondering if there have been advances in bearing technology that would allow me to go with sealed bearings. I would love to go with sealed to keep the mess down, but getting the axle's in and out of these things is a major PIA!

[agodwin01]

The seals can be removed with a pick or small screwdriver if you want (if they are not steel seals). We do it at work to put higher quality grease in them then we put the seals back in. Tricky to remove without damaging the seal but easy if you don't need to save them