wheel bearings oil seal

[Guest]

I was replacing the bearings in the front wheel and when I went to get the new ones the guy asked, "why is the oil seal (or dust cover) removed from the inside of the bearing?" This guy sells bearings for a living and told me I could leave the oil seal on.

I've replaced bearings before and I seem to remember the inside (side facing the wheel) is always open. Does anyone know why this is? Do you think it should be left open like I found it or should I leave the oil seal on?

Thanks for any input

[redliner1973]

leave the seal on, the wheel bearings are not supposed to be a serviceable type item, hence the reason for the seals-they are lubed for life. :twisted:

[Anonymous]

I've replaced bearings before and I seem to remember the inside (side facing the wheel) is always open. Does anyone know why this is?

On industrial equipment, it is common to have a grease fitting feeding the back side of the bearing with lubricant. The one seal is there to keep dirt and stuff out and there is a bearing on the other end of your shaft or whatever keeping dirt out of that end. The center cavity between the bearings is used to hold lubricant. That is not the case for our wheels and you should put in a completely sealed bearing for the best bearing life span.

Mark

[Gerry]

Thanks for the reply.
I was wonder why the bearings were installed with no dust seal on the inter part? This isn't the first time I've seen this, I think every wheel bearing I've replaced was like that and in the past I have put the new ones in the same way. Not this time, I think I'll leave the dust cover on.

Thanks

[Anonymous]

Gerry: My 400 had single sided metal shields on its bearings as stock. It will help the bearings run cooler but I really don't think it matters.

Steve

[Gerry]

Gerry: My 400 had single sided metal shields on its bearings as stock. It will help the bearings run cooler but I really don't think it matters.

Steve

Good point, thanks for the input