Grease Seal to Spindle Fit

[Weirthit]

I recently replaced a warped rotary hub on my tandem axle trailer. Went ahead and replaced the bearings since the cups were pre-installed in the hub, and replaced the grease seal. On the first tow, all of the grease in the bearing buddy blew out of the new rear seal. The seal I.D. is 1.686" and the spindle diameter where the sleeve rides is 1.677 (measured with dial calipers) so no surprise is leaks.
I found a grease seal with an I.D. of 1.62", at least 0.050" smaller than the spindle diameter where the sleeve rides.
Is 0.050" interference between the grease seal and spindle too much? I would hate to destroy the seal surface.
Thanks for any feedback,
Brian

 

[bruceb58]

what is the seal number you are using that is too big?

You probably need a 470460, assuming the outer diameter is standard.. That was the seal I used for my axle spindle which is the same size as yours. That number is the same for bot Timken and National.

I am guessing you are currently using a 473336 which is too big,

 

[dingbat]

As an alternative, I switched over to a 16735.

The 16735 has a rubber cased, one piece seal designed for power transmission applications, ie. gearboxes, motors, speed reducers, etc.

Overkill for grease filled hubs, but the rubber case helps with any misalignment issues and allows them to be removed and reused after bearing inspection, if desired.