Easy Bearing Repacking

If you are tired of tearing apart your axles to repack the bearings, add a zerk fitting next time you have them apart so you can repack your bearings in seconds. Many of the new Jeeps have sealed bearings, so adding zerks is pointless for them, but for older Jeeps such as CJs, full-size Jeep trucks, etc. a zerk can be a real time saver. Some early Jeeps came with zerks from the factory.

Adding a zerk is a simple process, here are the basics:

• Remove the axle shaft, you may need to take apart the brakes to do this.
• Grind off the rust and crud off a small section on top of the axle tube between the bearing race and inner axle seal.
• Make measurements to determine where a zerk can be installed and use a center punch to mark the spot.
• Drill a 7/32" hole for 1/4-28 zerk fitting.
• Tap the hole with a 1/4-28 tap.
• Screw in the zerk.
• Replace axle shaft and brakes.

After everything has been installed, you can use a regular grease gun to pack the bearings. You may want to pull the drum to keep an eye on the outer seal. If you overpack the bearings, grease will ooze out and ruin your brake shoes. Greasy shoes have poor stopping power.

On the older military Jeeps such as the M38A1, they had two zerks on either end. With two zerks, you can remove one and pump grease in the other. This forces all the old grease out and you don't have to worry about over packing the bearings. Thanks to John for mentioning this.