JD350C Final Drive Bearings and Grease?

[Tjgerow]

For some reason I thought I read that the final drive axle and pinion bearing should be packed with grease for assembly. However I don't see that mentioned anywhere in the service manual for the 350C.

The axle bearings will be submerged but the pinion bearings might only get splashed.

Anyone have any guidance on this?

Thanks,
Tom

[Tjgerow]

I think i found the answer, I just had to re-read the instructions. Im honestly not used to using a manual for most anything.

The pinion bearings and quil get packed with grease, but apparently not the axle bearings.

I'm very open to any lessons learned or tips on putting these finals back together. I really dont want to pull them off again.

Tom

[LeonardL]

It's always smart to ask dude. It's also smart to have that tech manual. I have worked on these machines for nearly fifty years and I still reference the tech manuals.
I always pack those bearings. Even though they will most likely get plenty of splash lubrication which is delivered by the bull gear. The bull gear is like a paddle wheel. It will bring plenty of fluid to the top where it will then be picked up by the pinion. So it gets slung around in there pretty good. However it still takes a bit for the oil to get worked down inside those bearings after an initial rebuild or replacement. Because of this it is a good idea to pack them in grease. That way you will not have to ever worry about them. I do truck and trailer axle bearings the same way. Even though most of them run in oil.

[Tjgerow]

Thanks for the information Leonard. I packed all the bearings with grease. Makes sense and I'd hate to score or gall one up because it didnt get enough lubricant fast enough on a fresh rebuild.