I was told by an auto mechanic who has an insane depth of knowledge about way too many things NOT to use solvent on bearings because there is a chemical coating put on at the factory which causes grease to adhere to the balls. Solvent removes said coating. He said just really hot water, dish soap, and a cleaning brush is the thing. I tried it and the bearing is clean as a whistle at way lower cost than buying solvent.

Anybody else hear about this chemical coating? Was he pulling my leg?

Anyway as I said, the bearing is shiny, like new now. Ultra Dawn, cheaper than solvent.