NFG

<p>Hi mate. I would just change it yearly. They only cost £3. The problem is altho the bearing rollers are metal the actual cage is plastic. Its mainly caused by tight chains and dry bearings etc. Sounds like you keep yours greased well. Most don't tend to touch them and they go dry and then the heat distorts them. There where 3 on ebay last week alone that all had the same issue.</p>

<p>The other thing I have found is twine and stringy wood can get in them and kill them also.</p>

<p>Sounds like you have a good preventive plan in place so the likelihood of you suffering any issues is low. Ive never had one of mine go but like you I tend to grease and check mine frequently. I tend to use a bit of LMT grease which is high melting point and for car wheel bearings and never had an issue altho any grease will do. Its when they go dry, everyone ive done has always had a dry bearing thru lack of maintenance apart from the 2 string related ones.</p>

<p>Regards</p>

<p>Martin</p>