Mucked-up bearing race, what would cause this?

[Metalhead47]

Pulled this out of my front hub. Saw it about 3 seconds before I was about to start bolting things back together after thinking "nah, the bearings looks fine!" What would cause damage like this to a bearing race? The bearing its self looked ok, this doesn't look like normal wear to me, but then again, I don't know what I'm talking about

 

[nvrenuf]

I believe that may be the result of sitting for a long time under weight and probably a little moisture in the mix.

 

[bigblock72]

Water, water, water. Even a little bit of moisture will settle on the bearings and start to pit the race, then the pits will get worn to the craters you have there. I'm sure that bearing was making some serious noise going down the road at even 30 mph.

Use an aluminum complex based grease, lithium (soap) is not waterproof no matter what is printed on the tube. Always check the wheel bearings after being submerged ar yearly.

Make sure you replace the seals and needle bearing that the axle shaft rides on.

 

[Metalhead47]

Aha! That explains it then, this rig did ALOT of sitting before I got to it, spiderwebs all over the axle bits (actually INSIDE the rear brakes!). Didn't notice any unusual road noise for those few times I drove it, but it's got a rather loud Flowmaster too. Just got thru pulling the spindle bearings, just waiting for my spindle bearing/seal kit to materialize from limbo at this point.

I was planning on using Mobil1 synthetic grease, how bout that? Doubt if this rig will see any water crossings but this being Seattle it will get plenty of water spray.