wheel bearing seal leaking

[tpassmore]

discovered the bearing seals are leaking but could not figure out how to remove seal. please advise

 

[lncoop]

Re: wheel bearing seal leaking

Are we referring to the outer or inner seals? If outer, a pair of big Channellocks should do the job, but if they're really stuck on there you might have to tap a flat blade screwdriver between the caps and hubs to break them loose. If inner, get them out any way you can and plan on replacing them. It would be beneficial to you if you could elaborate. You'll likely have to replace some parts and your post is very short on info.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: wheel bearing seal leaking

There is no outer seal. The inner seal requires that you remove the hub. Use a wooden dowl to tap the inner bearing out along with the seal. Since you now have access to all the bearings, clean everything thoroughly and inspect the bearings and races for scoring, pitting, bluing, or any other damage and replace them if required. Repack the bearings and reinstall them. Place the new seal over the hub and drive it home using a hammer and bloack of wood or a seal driver intended for this purpose. Ensure you adjust bearing pre-load as specified in the trailer manual.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: wheel bearing seal leaking

Right tool for the job is a seal puller, costs under $10 just about anywhere.

 

[lncoop]

Re: wheel bearing seal leaking

There is no outer seal.

Very true. I suspected he might have been referring to the dust cap, some of which (mine included) have a rubber disc that looks like a seal.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: wheel bearing seal leaking

Very true. I suspected he might have been referring to the dust cap, some of which (mine included) have a rubber disc that looks like a seal.

Are you talking about the rubber cover that you pull off to get at the grease zerk?

 

[robert graham]

Re: wheel bearing seal leaking

discovered the bearing seals are leaking but could not figure out how to remove seal. please advise

Maybe you're overgreasing your bearings with spindle zerk or Bearing Buddies and just forced some grease out of the back of the hub? Maybe your seals are O.K.? Maybe clean all grease off back of hub with carb cleaner, check for grease back there after your next trip. Of course it's a good idea to pull it all apart, clean, re-pack, but maybe not necessary?

 

[lncoop]

Re: wheel bearing seal leaking

Are you talking about the rubber cover that you pull off to get at the grease zerk?

Yes sir. They will allow grease to escape if the cavity is over-filled.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: wheel bearing seal leaking

Maybe you're overgreasing your bearings with spindle zerk or Bearing Buddies and just forced some grease out of the back of the hub? Maybe your seals are O.K.? Maybe clean all grease off back of hub with carb cleaner, check for grease back there after your next trip. Of course it's a good idea to pull it all apart, clean, re-pack, but maybe not necessary?

Don't be spraying carb cleaner on seals, they don't like it.

 

[tpassmore]

Re: wheel bearing seal leaking

Maybe you're overgreasing your bearings with spindle zerk or Bearing Buddies and just forced some grease out of the back of the hub? Maybe your seals are O.K.? Maybe clean all grease off back of hub with carb cleaner, check for grease back there after your next trip. Of course it's a good idea to pull it all apart, clean, re-pack, but maybe not necessary?

i prob over filled the bb's. there was still alot of grease inside, bearings look good but alot of grease has also escaped. the trailer is a '98 and always kept hub filled. not sure the old seals will hold pressure of bb's so i think as long as i have it off, might as well change the seals. bearings are in good shape.

 

[hray]

Re: wheel bearing seal leaking

I would suggest the whole hub be replaced. No more often than seals, bearings, etc. wear out it gives peace of mind that everything is new and in good shape. Not expensive considering all other cost associated with boating.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: wheel bearing seal leaking

I would suggest the whole hub be replaced. No more often than seals, bearings, etc. wear out it gives peace of mind that everything is new and in good shape. Not expensive considering all other cost associated with boating.

I wouldn't suggest this. My suggestion is don't overfill the Bearing Buddy.

 

[lncoop]

Re: wheel bearing seal leaking

I wouldn't suggest this. My suggestion is don't overfill the Bearing Buddy.

Nor would I. Major overkill and unnecessary expense.