'57 Rear Axle bearing

[Nud]

Hello,

I just bought a '57 Beetle and its been a long time since I worked on one......I have the rear wheels off for brakes and bearings and here is my question......the book says to grease the axil bearings, but I thought they were lubed by the Xmsn?? The bearing housing has an "Oil" deflector and O rings which leads me to believe Oil goes in.

To grease or not to Grease....that is the question?

Thanks,

Nud

[punkinfair]

you are correct, on a swingaxle car like yours the rear wheel bearings are lubricated with oil from the transmission. it is still a good idea to grease them, because until the car has been driven a bit, not much gear oil will make it to the wheel bearings. if you leave them dry, you will be driving on dry or minimally lubricated bearings for some time.

[Nud]

Thanks,
I did a little more research and the '57 has a drive axle in it.....so it does take grease not oil. I will be taking the crossbar off and get the old bearings pressed out and new ones pressed in. Thanks again for the help.