woods RM gummed up wheel bearings ....wrong grease?

[kyles974]

First ...im sure this has been dicussed but I couldnt find it....and I like to do my own searching because it seelms like I learn something everytime I do my own research.

...but I have a Woods rm550 (3 point finishing mower)
Just tore it down for pulley replacement, etc.,
I took apart the wheel bearings and discoverd the outside bushings that hold the bearings in were caked or gummed up. Ki da suprised grease could enter. I did get this used....but the grease I had in there seemes to be some what gummed up also.
Sorry .. I cant tell you off hand what grease I used.....I know....I know....but any how..

Does the grease gum because of dirt?

Also....fro. This people on this site recommending.... I bought some Schaeffer 238 Moly grease for the loader....and love that stuff. Best grease I found for the loader.
Since the wheel bearings.... IMO is not high speed....wouldnt this be great grease for the wheels?

 

[kyles974]

First ...im sure this has been dicussed but I couldnt find it....and I like to do my own searching because it seelms like I learn something everytime I do my own research.

...but I have a Woods rm550 (3 point finishing mower)
Just tore it down for pulley replacement, etc.,
I took apart the wheel bearings and discoverd the outside bushings that hold the bearings in were caked or gummed up. Ki da suprised grease could enter. I did get this used....but the grease I had in there seemes to be some what gummed up also.
Sorry .. I cant tell you off hand what grease I used.....I know....I know....but any how..

Does the grease gum because of dirt?

Also....fro. This people on this site recommending.... I bought some Schaeffer 238 Moly grease for the loader....and love that stuff. Best grease I found for the loader.
Since the wheel bearings.... IMO is not high speed....wouldnt this be great grease for the wheels?

...i was searching and look....found my own post weeks later.....wish someone could post comment about the above

 

[DFB]

Shaffer website does say 238 is not recommended for automotive wheel bearing. Moly is definitely great grease high shear resistance and provides good high pressure surface protection especially on pins and bushings. It may become too runny in a wheel with constant rolling action. I always use a waterproof wheel bearing grease for wheel bearings

 

[sixdogs]

Could be water got in. I have seen that.

 

[RickB]

Frequency of greasing is more important than over-analyzing grease type. Grease often enough to flush out the old, contaminated grease before it sets up like asphalt.
If the bearings/bushings have lip seals, make sure they are in good shape to help keep dirt & debris out.

 

[Mace Canute]

Here's one site that talks about grease compatibility.

The Skinny on Grease Compatibility

and a further imbedded link there talks about grease dry-out.

Grease Dry-out

 

[RichardM]

Gummy, hard or heavily discolored grease is caused by contamination, water, high heat or grease incompatibility. For wheel bearings use a good grade of # 2 calcium or lithium high temperature grease. This is will what some shops use for chassis grease. Don't mix types of grease, it could cause grease to thicken or thin out. If unsure flush out the old grease as best as possible.
Grease used for pin joints is different. It should have a high viscosity base oil, (check package for recommended applicatiions) and I like a solid additive like graphite or Moly (though the moly can form corrosive sulfides under certain conditions) Grease pin joints often on heavily operated machines as they have poor seals. (every 30 min is great, though in practice once daily will work.