Sealed bearings - how often to re-pack?

[OakLeaf]

I'll let my LBS do it, but just wondering if this is something that should happen annually, or after a certain number of miles, or what?

[DebW]

Apparently there are some sealed bearing cartridges that can be opened and repacked with grease. But most sealed bearing systems are throw-away cartridges. If the bearings are still good, you do nothing. If they are bad, you replace them. Having the bearings checked once a year would be reasonable. Or take it in any time you notice that the bearing has play or feels rough or is binding. Most sealed bearing systems should last several years (ie. 4-5 years or more).

[OakLeaf]

Ah, okay, thanks.

I only know sealed bearings from the motorcycle side - with those, you just pop the seal off, pull the bearing cartridge, clean out the old grease, repack and reinstall with a new seal. Or with some bikes, you can pump in fresh grease to the headset and/or swingarm bearings via fittings in the frame.