How to protect a bearing from the elements

dieselscout80 · Oct 11, 2017

I have a idler pulley with bearings on my tractor IH 424 (yes it sits outside) that's not sealed. They have metal shielding.

Can can I smear silicone on a bearing to seal it from the elements?

JRobyn · Oct 11, 2017

I'd think that would just attract a lot of grit that would help destroy the bearing. I bet that a good bearing supplier could match yours up with replacements with identical dimensions but with a rubber seal.

mitch becton · Oct 11, 2017

from past experience the metal shield is better than rubber because the metal is designed to run in oil which is much more of a sealer than the rubber seal i am doing some work on hand crank trap kit all the bearings are metal seal because they are exposed to the elements always anybody else understand this to be true

Spanner · Oct 11, 2017

'80': Just cut an old plastic bottle or something to install over the idler when you're not using it - Keep the rain off it.

I take it the bearing is not 'greaseable'?

Mitch: I'm struggling with your post. You need to install some punctuation. Suffice to say, Metal Shielded bearings accept grease more readily than Rubber Seals, which keep dust and some moisture out better.

What is a hand crank trap kit ?

dieselscout80 · Oct 11, 2017

The idler has two National 202S bearings stacked together. I was thinking I could pop the two inner metal seals off and then drill the pulley for a grease zerk. I wonder if just greasing the bearing will keep it working for a long time. However, I also found some nylon washers that will cover the bearing.

Spanner · Oct 11, 2017

Grease is the 'lifeblood' of bearings.

/pine · Oct 11, 2017

Spanner said:
Grease is the 'lifeblood' of bearings.

and a shot of 'Fluid Film' every month or so when idle will go a long way...

shaeff · Oct 11, 2017

mitch becton said:
from past experience the metal shield is better than rubber because the metal is designed to run in oil which is much more of a sealer than the rubber seal i am doing some work on hand crank trap kit all the bearings are metal seal because they are exposed to the elements always anybody else understand this to be true

"From past experience, the metal shield is better than rubber. This is because the metal shield is designed to run oil, which is much more of a sealer than it's rubber counterpart. I am doing some work on hand crank trap kit(?), all the bearings are exposed to the elements at all times. Does anybody else understand this to be true?"
Fixed?

Spanner · Oct 11, 2017

shaeff said:
"From past experience, the metal shield is better than rubber. This is because the metal shield is designed to run oil, which is much more of a sealer than it's rubber counterpart. I am doing some work on hand crank trap kit(?), all the bearings are exposed to the elements at all times. Does anybody else understand this to be true?"
Fixed?

I'm not sure...

"This is because the metal shield is designed to run 《in》oil, which is much more of a sealer than it's rubber counterpart."

The "oil" is a better sealer?

Bearings running with oil present on one, or both, sides tend to be 'open' on the side where oil is present. (One or both sides). The oil is the lubricant.