I am getting ready to replace rear bearings in my 2002 XK8. I'm thinking - and this is where my trouble usually starts:

Would it be possible to drill out a hole in an area on the outer surface of the hub carrier so a self tapping zerk style fitting could be placed for easy lub-ing?
Would there need to be super small air release hole drilled out so the seals wouldn't get blown out when adding grease?

Has anyone done this and what do folks think? Bad idea?
Is there even a surface that is in line enough with the space/cavity between the inner and outer bearings where pumping in grease would make it to the right spots?

If it makes sense I would like to collect the bits I'll need before starting the bearing work...

 

The rear wheel bearing hub assys used to have a grease 'zerk' for the fulcrum bearings but not the wheel bearings themselves.

There was a HOLE in the hub with a rubber cap between the inner and outer bearings that you could add grease but that ended with the Series III sedan and XJ-S I believe.

 

Thanks Man...
I don't know the anatomy and design structure well enough (on the XK8 or XJS) to know what good it would do... On my XJS I've added grease by removing the abs sensor. Under the sensor I can see the reluctor wheel for the abs on the XJS, but even there, I don't know if the grease (and it takes some) makes it's way to the bearings inner and outer. I've not had the courage (and I know the time is coming) to open the XJS carrier...

If it makes sense, and wouldn't weaken the integrity of the XK8 carrier, I would really like to add a fitting for yearly lubbing, the easy way. Anything to make life easier with these machines, ya know...?

 

Are you sure this is necessary? My xk8 is over 23 years old and on the original rear wheel bearings which still pass the MOT and are quiet and fine. Any preventative maintenance is a good idea, but I feel you may cause damage if holes ae drilled in the bearing cages etc. I actually bought complete rear hubs many years ago in case of bearing failure - but this is one part of the car that seems well engineered. Cheers.

 

JayJay, if you use a hand pump grease gun, you can feel the full restriction on the trigger. That's when you need to stop.
Many a brake hub has been filled on a Spitfire and other Triumph's using the same parts by a power pump in a service station. Blew the grease right by the seals and filled it completely. The other part to that story, most owners never found it as it was a bolt installed from the factory and it needed to be taken out and a zerk put in.

 

Maybe I better just leave well enough alone