Bearing Grease Seal Orientation and Torque Specs

[BrandonVA]

I am doing the bearings on my small trailer. It has 12 inch wheels and I bought new bearings from auto store today. The new bearings come with a metal grease seal that is not like the original rubber seal. The instructions are of no help whatsoever to determine which side is supposed to face inward. Here are a couple pictures:





can anyone tell me which way this thing is supposed to face? it goes over the bearing on the axle side.

 

[BrandonVA]

also how tight should i torque the spindle castle nut?

 

[Cardenio327]

Originally Posted By: BrandonVA
also how tight should i torque the spindle castle nut?


Tighten the nut with a wrench while turning the wheel counterclockwise. Loosen the nut. Tighten the nut using only your fingers as tight as you can. Loosen it until the castellations line up with the hole and install cotter pin.

I don't know which side is which on your seal, I have never seen one like it. The hollow side goes inward, but your seal is hollow on both sides.

 

[BrandonVA]

exactly...its very confusing. it is a critical component too which is why i'm worried. fwiw, it is a reese brand 1" bearing kit.

 

[Warstud]

You have the inside up.... shown in the picture.

 

[BrandonVA]

which picture? each picture is of an opposing side.

 

[yonyon]

I hope the first picture shows the grease side down because otherwise driving the seal in could be entirely too much fun.

 

[Eddie]

The side of the seal shown goes to the bearing. The flat metal side goes to the outside. Lube the rubber and slip into the housing and use a similer size socket to tap the seal into place (flush).

 

[Chris142]

When installed the seal will be in the hub and will look
Like the top pic.

 

[Warstud]

Wow it's quite a bit alike on both sides isn't it? Install it so it looks like the first picture. That's the outside.

 

[BrandonVA]

thank you! got it put in and it seems to spin freely so all is good for now. the first pic is what I put on facing outside.

 

[BrandonVA]

doh! forgot to put the new races in!!

[censored]

 

[default]

Spring/U side always goes towards the "wet" side. You get the nut snug, maybe 30-40ft lbs to make sure the races are seated, then back it off loose, then bring it in till you get the slightest drag. If you have a dial indicator you can set it more accurately, to a few thou of play. Free space in the hub should be a bit over half full of grease. Pack the bearings well, that's one of those things most need to see to understand.