KTM seems willing to allow axle bearings to be a premature failure point by most engineering standards. So, after replacing far too many over the years, after playing with seals and injecting grease and still not seeing adequate lifespan, I'm going to take on a project and post it.
But before I do, If someone can tell me that they have seen this attempt before or have seen this posted already, please let me know. What I have seen is discussion around supplier offerings on bearings, seals and spacers. I've scanned for a couple of days now and I am not finding this particular approach posted.
Here's a summary of what I am thinking: Drill the rear hub and fit it with a grease zerk. Pump the hub cavity full of waterproof grease to create a positve pressure environment; create a post-ride service point not much different than lubing the chain while it is hot; create a visual indicator of successful grease application as the grease pushes through the outer seal on the seal spacer running surface.
Before I drill a brand new Warp 9 wheel (bearings lasted about 20 hours), can anyone see a glaring weakness in my thinking and/or has this been attempted before and if so to what end ?
I have Moose (larger load bearings) and Pivotworks (o-ring sealed w/hardened spacer) kits inbound to look at each to see what they are - rear hub is the fist victim. If anyone has suggestions for this process, by all means, send me your thoughts. I understand Warp 9 may not have used the same quality bearings et al as KTM, but they advertise OEM sizes so this will still be a good test given all of my bikes have had what I consider premature bearing related failure.
But before I do, If someone can tell me that they have seen this attempt before or have seen this posted already, please let me know. What I have seen is discussion around supplier offerings on bearings, seals and spacers. I've scanned for a couple of days now and I am not finding this particular approach posted.
Here's a summary of what I am thinking: Drill the rear hub and fit it with a grease zerk. Pump the hub cavity full of waterproof grease to create a positve pressure environment; create a post-ride service point not much different than lubing the chain while it is hot; create a visual indicator of successful grease application as the grease pushes through the outer seal on the seal spacer running surface.
Before I drill a brand new Warp 9 wheel (bearings lasted about 20 hours), can anyone see a glaring weakness in my thinking and/or has this been attempted before and if so to what end ?
I have Moose (larger load bearings) and Pivotworks (o-ring sealed w/hardened spacer) kits inbound to look at each to see what they are - rear hub is the fist victim. If anyone has suggestions for this process, by all means, send me your thoughts. I understand Warp 9 may not have used the same quality bearings et al as KTM, but they advertise OEM sizes so this will still be a good test given all of my bikes have had what I consider premature bearing related failure.
