XRAY - Model racing cars

You could flush them out in some kero then lube with some light oil.
If you can't get it smooth again then you will need to replace it, but it's worth trying before you go out and by a bearing set that may not be needed.

This may be a stupid question but here it goes; where do you put the oil if the seals are on?

I have heard about bearing baths? Anyone got any views on these

Just put the oil on the seals, it will go through and into the bearing.

I know a few guys who have the Indi sparkel tray and really like it. I personally run the bearings with one of the rubber seals remove so they are easier to clean each time. As long as you put the exposed part of the bearing facing the inside of the front a rear hubs and towards the bearing carriers for the diffs they will not be exposed to the dirt and grit.

That's a good idea, you could only do to the hubs though.

I had the same problem for awhile and kept purchasing new bearings. Then I had the bright idea of carefully using the sharp edge of a NEW tip on a hobby knife to fit in and under the seal to pry it off. Just make sure you flatten the seal back out if the blade caused a small bend in the seal.

Once you get the hang of it, you can take them off, clean out the bearing, re-lube it and put the seals back on in under a minute.

You can find the full instructions in the .

I don't know why many people on here suggest to get new bearings, it's not necessary in most cases, and is expensive. Yes they do wear out and you need to replace them eventually but between there and now you can clean them out easily.

Use the method TeamGP suggested to removed the blue seals using an exacto knife, ease the seals off.
Using bearing blaster or even motor cleaner to blast the bearing out. Do not put them in a can and shake them round with cleaner because all the dirt from the bearing will go into the cleaner and back into the bearing. Hold the bearing in your hand and blast it out with cleaner. Let the bearing dry out.

Put a drop or two of good bearing oil in the bearing and before replacing the seals use a pencil or something to test the bearing is running freely. Once you have done this take the two seals and straighten them out as much as possible. Put one side on first and test again to make sure it's still running freely. Then put the other on. If it stops moving freely when one of the seals are placed back then simply remove it again and make sure it's straightened out properly.

Simple and easy.