Dave, I like your idea, with some comments.
This is just like the "lower leg" lubrication on an outboard engine,
(boat).
To fill, remove both upper and lower plugs, let oil drain out. When
drained, place tube of lube into lower hole and inject lube until lube
exits top fitting.
Place finger over top fitting (hole) to seal (vacuum), remove tube of
oil from bottom opening and replace bottom plug.
Replace top plug.
Sounds good... except...
"Top" plug would have to be vented to allow for expansion for heat.
Also trial and error(?) would dictate where top plug (height) would be.(
running level.) That may be a chore to figure out, perhaps not.
Simply filling to full would force excess out (the seals) to the
brake rotor as previously mentioned. That is why it is critical when
changing out the lube in the differential (final drive) the vent not get
blocked or sealed shut
Both vent holes could be an extermely small channel (1/64") with the
smallest allowable pipe thread fitting (at the end 1/8"?), that would
not weaken the knuckle.
Finding a better seal for oil may be in order, also previously
mentioned..
These are only observations based on my experience on my repairs to
motorcycles/ outboards/atv's/snowmobiles, ...not applied to the GMC.
But I like your idea, and think it should be put to scrutiny by the
likes of Brent Covey and Sam Pickens, our resident bearing specialists.
All others please chime in with your comments, pro or con.
This is not to further the debate the servicing of the bearings. If in
doubt, pull them and service them!
Regards, Gil
This is just like the "lower leg" lubrication on an outboard engine,
(boat).
To fill, remove both upper and lower plugs, let oil drain out. When
drained, place tube of lube into lower hole and inject lube until lube
exits top fitting.
Place finger over top fitting (hole) to seal (vacuum), remove tube of
oil from bottom opening and replace bottom plug.
Replace top plug.
Sounds good... except...
"Top" plug would have to be vented to allow for expansion for heat.
Also trial and error(?) would dictate where top plug (height) would be.(
running level.) That may be a chore to figure out, perhaps not.
Simply filling to full would force excess out (the seals) to the
brake rotor as previously mentioned. That is why it is critical when
changing out the lube in the differential (final drive) the vent not get
blocked or sealed shut
Both vent holes could be an extermely small channel (1/64") with the
smallest allowable pipe thread fitting (at the end 1/8"?), that would
not weaken the knuckle.
Finding a better seal for oil may be in order, also previously
mentioned..
These are only observations based on my experience on my repairs to
motorcycles/ outboards/atv's/snowmobiles, ...not applied to the GMC.
But I like your idea, and think it should be put to scrutiny by the
likes of Brent Covey and Sam Pickens, our resident bearing specialists.
All others please chime in with your comments, pro or con.
This is not to further the debate the servicing of the bearings. If in
doubt, pull them and service them!
Regards, Gil
