Modern Vespa

I have a new to me 2001 ET4 with 5600 miles. It has sat for at least a year maybe 2 and may have been kept outside for a time (I think).

After reviving the front brake I noticed the front wheel had a noticeable amount of drag. I pulled the caliper to confirm the pads were not dragging and that didn't change anything.

The rotating the hub did get things moving a bit more, but it's still tight. It's not grinding or slop. Overall it moves smoothly, but just tight.

I have not pulled the front hub. I don't have the tools to change the wheel bearings.

Would this loosen up over time?

Can you re-grease bearings and what grease to use?

Mine had sat for 10 years or so.

I pulled the hub to find the grease had dried out. I had to get it all off, removing bits that almost looked like bathroom silicone (particularly where the speedo gear resides).

Better to pull the hub than not.

After a thorough clean, I gave it a nice dollop of general grease along the shaft bearing surface, the speedo gears, and the bearing itself (I think I used NLGI 3). Not stating that this is the recommended grease or procedure, but that's what I did.

If your brake disc is good and you want to keep it - just beware that the hub might be properly on there and will need some love tapping. Watch where you tap!

🤞

👍🏻🤞🏻

I appreciate the info!

I'll be taking apart the hub tonight. Other than pulling out the grease with rags, Q-tips and the sticks, is there any other method to get the old stuff out?

I was thinking of something like simple, green, or another degreaser, however, if I didn't get it all out, it would really mess with the new grease that I put in.

I was able to get the hub off. The grease is definitely congealed! As soon as I pulled out the speedometer gear, everything started moving a little easier. I think cleaning up the old grease should fix my problem.

Yeah - I used rags, then a screwdriver (gently) for the siliconised bits that wouldn't wipe off.

I then applied paraffin (with a brush to get in the nooks and crannies)… wiped again… then a final douche with brake clean to get rid of any residue.

I didn't want to use anything water based near a bearing. 😇

PS Mind the seal - and if it's already ripped replace it.

Eeew - yeah, get that seen to and you'll feel good knowing you can eat off the insides. 👍

Pull the speedo cable off (and the plastic gear) - you'll find a lot collects in that area.

All cleaned up 🧼

A little grease and everything will be going back together

much better.

remember to throw some grease on those inner bearings and lube the lips of the seals.

torque the hub nut to spec and don't forget the cotter pin!!