What happened here?

[JustcallmeMrT]

What is this and how do I fix it?
Looks to me like dried up grease and a bunch of rust.  Should I be concerned about the bearings?  Can I polish up that  spacer in the second pic or is a replacement required?

Thanks!

[Trigger]

It is a front wheel hub. You need to remove the bearing retainer (special tool need). Then remove the bearings. Not sure about the collar as it is dirt.

[JustcallmeMrT]

The bearings still seem smooth and no play, so was hoping to avoid removing and replacing.  Would you recommend doing it as a matter of course while its all apart, or am I safe to leave it?

[JustcallmeMrT]

Thanks for the heads up on the hub. 

[JustcallmeMrT]

A nice surprise to find... glad I have 2 spares!

[Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)]

On your first photo that's when a PO try-ed to remove the retainer with a screwdriver or chisel bodge it.If the bearings are A OK just clean it up and fit new retainer with the proper tool.
Cheers
Bitsa

[MikeM]

i changed mine anyway, they are peanuts to buy really, the retainer was a pain to get out on mine, bike had not moved in years

you may as well change the bearings for all the money they cost

[JustcallmeMrT]

On your first photo that's when a PO try-ed to remove the retainer with a screwdriver or chisel bodge it.If the bearings are A OK just clean it up and fit new retainer with the proper tool.
Cheers
Bitsa

Is the retaining ring removal tool the same for front and rear?

[AshimotoK0]

On bearing retainer .. remove seal, drill out any 'staking' ... tap the bruised bit of the alloy  retainer with a hammer square punch etc. to try to recover the slot shape  to original as much as possible. Use my tip here ( bottom photo is of a 750K0 front hub which has similar retainer) BOTTOM PHOTO IN POST.

Agree..replace bearings they cost very little and easy to remove/replace ... it's the retainer that is difficult without the correct tool.

http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,7684.0.html

[Johnwebley]

most of the corrosion in the wheel bearings is cause by jet washers forcing dirt and water into the bearing,
when using a jet washer,try not to spray the shaft and seal to much,

[Trigger]

It is better to replace the wheel bearing. They are cheap but, do not use the Cheap, cheap Chinese ones.

[JustcallmeMrT]

It is better to replace the wheel bearing. They are cheap but, do not use the Cheap, cheap Chinese ones.

Any recommendations?  I saw Andy Cepok on ebay out of germany does a kit for the front including retaining ring and seal.

[Trigger]

It is better to replace the wheel bearing. They are cheap but, do not use the Cheap, cheap Chinese ones.

Any recommendations?  I saw Andy Cepok on ebay out of germany does a kit for the front including retaining ring and seal.

Take your old bearings to your local bearing shop and they will match them. The front are the same size but, the rear has two different sizes.