When overhauling bearings, I have noticed that no matter how careful I am when cleaning hubs bearings,bb, or headset, when I clean regrease and re-install and set cones etc. the result can seem a bit gritty compared to pre-overhaul "feel". It feels almost as if there is a piece of dirt in the bearing that I did not feel before. Often the feel will return to smooth after running the bearings on the road for a day. What is up with this? I don't understand the mechanism, nor do I think it is neccessary to to use new balls for every overhaul. One other related matter. What are we supposed to do with sealed cartridge bearings such as Phil Woods or old Suntour? There appears to be no way to get new grease into the bearings. This seems counter to proper maintenance rather than beneficial.
Garth Libre in Miami Fl.