Front Wheel Bearings and Seals

[BIGHOSS]

One front wheel of Uncle Bob's Cub needs new bearings. TM Tractor Parts has a comple kit with bearings and seals, p/n 360118R93. I soaked the hub in kerosene to clean off the 60 year old crud. In doing so, the felt washer now leaks oil.

Question 1...Has this ruined the felt washer or when it drys will it still hold back the grease or was its function to keep dust from oil seal?

Question 2...I haven't checked with the local NAPA, but will they have replacements including seal and washer?

Question 3...I have gentlly tapped on inner bearing race, as the manual suggests, but it has not moved. How do I get it off? Bigger hammer? Puller?

[Bigdog]

The felt washer is a dust seal so it should be OK when it dries out. NAPA should have the seal and bearings but not likely the felt washer.
Gentle tapping never works for me. A bigger hammer usually does. But a puller is, no doubt, the best way to go.

[WKPoor]

The last 3 inner axle bearings I've done had to be cut off. Be extra careful what you do as the axle is pretty soft material. If you try a puller be sure to protect threads with the nut. To cut em off use a whiz wheel at a 45 degree angle across the inner race till your about 75-85% through. Then take a coal chisel and split it. Sometimes that is the fastest way.

[Buzzard Wing]

The bearings are pretty common and easy to come by... but I will say the kit is a great value.... includes both bearings and races, the the felt washer, seal and whatever that long sleeve is on the inside. It was a bit over $50 a couple of years ago. And CNH always has quality bearings too. That is what Tom would sell you.

Yep it took me a while to get the inside bearing off the spindle too.