Grease seals

billbr

Cadet
Joined
Aug 29, 2004
Messages
13
I just purchased a complete single axle, hydraulic surge brake kit on ebay for my 20' boat/trailer. The trailer originally had brakes, but a previous owner completely removed them, so I had to by backing plates, hubs, actuator and a line kit.<br /><br />The old hubs have a double lip seal, while the new seals are single lip. There isn't a spring in the seal, like I've seen in automotive applications. The question is: Which way do I install the seals? Does the lip face inward, toward the bearing? I should know this, but I simply can't remember.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Bill
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Grease seals

It faces inward. In other words, the metal part of the seal should face outward. The inward facing lip is therefore forced against the spindle by the grease trying to get out. Installed the other way would simply be an "open door" and your wheels would live forever because they would be coated with grease in the first mile.
 
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