Steering stem bearings- Grease or no?

[MrSavvy]

To grease or not to grease? That's the question I can't find much info about.
I bought a set of tapered All Balls steering bearings, but can't find solid info on whether or not they need to be greased, upon installation.

They appear to have some sort of oil coating already. But I read on some sites that some waterproof grease is needed.
Can anybody confirm they do or do not need to be greased?
Thanks.

[CC Cowboy]

Originally Posted by MrSavvy

To grease or not to grease? That's the question I can't find much info about.
I bought a set of tapered All Balls steering bearings, but can't find solid info on whether or not they need to be greased, upon installation.

They appear to have some sort of oil coating already. But I read on some sites that some waterproof grease is needed.
Can anybody confirm they do or do not need to be greased?
Thanks.

I don't know for sure but how can it hurt.

[crazymadbastard]

I would think wheel bearing grease is best, but I am curious for sure. I am too lazy to go the wiki and look for you...

[tfkrocks]

I packed mine full of waterproof grease.

[cuong-nutz]

Yes they need to be greased with bearing grease. I just used waterproof wheel bearing grease. The oily film you see on the bearings is just to prevent the bearings from rusting in storage.

[MrSavvy]

Thanks for the input, guys. I just got back from a local bike and ATV shop, I picked up a container of Bel-rey Waterproof Grease.

[alex.s]

http://www.machinerylubrication.com/.../grease-basics

say it with me;

li-thi-um grease with mo-lyb-de-num di-sul-fide added

[crazymadbastard]

li-thi-um grease with mo-lyb-de-num di-sul-fide added!!!

[MrSavvy]

Originally Posted by alex.s

http://www.machinerylubrication.com/.../grease-basics

say it with me;

li-thi-um grease with mo-lyb-de-num di-sul-fide added

According to your sig, you're probably lying.

[csmith12]

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by MrSavvy

To grease or not to grease? That's the question I can't find much info about.

What makes you think that not to grease could be a good approach for two metal sliding or rolling against each other?

https://www.nlgi.org/technical-info/tech-papers/

Oil is a congregation of millions of little balls keeping those two metals rolling apart and cool and growing old.
Lithium (a type of soap) gives the gel consistency to the oil and repels water, which quickly induces rust and separates oil from the metals.
Molybdenum adds more little balls (1–100 µm) to the mix, for when high temperatures make the oil less lubricating.

[MrSavvy]

Originally Posted by Motofool

What makes you think that not to grease could be a good approach for two metal sliding or rolling against each other?

https://www.nlgi.org/technical-info/tech-papers/

Oil is a congregation of millions of little balls keeping those two metals rolling apart and cool and growing old.
Lithium (a type of soap) gives the gel consistency to the oil and repels water, which quickly induces rust and separates oil from the metals.
Molybdenum adds more little balls (1–100 µm) to the mix, for when high temperatures make the oil less lubricating.

I never went to any sort of mechanics class or school, I never had someone beside me to teach me these things, I've learned everything myself, I didn't know what "µm" meant until I just Googled it, and there are many other things I don't know yet.

Which is why I asked.

Thanks for the in-depth answer, it was very informative.

[mgentz]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Yes. Grease them up well.