Shaft re-greasing hub

Abstract

A hub for greasing inner and outer shaft bearings on a spindle having greasing passageways leading in from the front of the hub. One passageway leads to the front of the outer bearing and the other passageway leads to the rear of the inner bearing. A purging passageway is provided between the inner and outer bearings whereby upon pressured grease being forced into greasing passageways in the direction of the purging passageways, new grease is forced in an axial direction through the bearings and old grease and contaminants are purged. An annular seal between the bearings provides the purging passageway with the spindle, such passageway being next to the shaft for maintaining a supply of grease on the shaft. The seal has at least one annular recess for providing additional storage of grease. Grease holding areas are provided adjacent the bearings such that grease is forced into the bearings by centrifugal force when the hub rotates on the spindle. Ventilating openings are provided to prevent buildup of pressure in the hub. A non-ventilating cavity forming plug is provided for substitution of the ventilating plug during a greasing operation.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.