Guest 50Plymouth Posted March 30, 2007 Report Posted March 30, 2007 Okay, found myself a substitute front hub seal (napa 1731). When I compare it to my old one I notice it has a lip the other really worn one completely lacks. Pictures should explain... which way does it face? Does the lip go "outwards" from the hub towards the steering knuckle, or does it face "in" as into the hub itself towards wheel. When I test fit on the spindle it seemed the first way as the approach to installation. The old seal of course was clearly labeled 'outside' for guys like me with a solid back. The first way: The second way: Ryan Quote
Normspeed Posted March 30, 2007 Report Posted March 30, 2007 I would put it so the rubber lip is angled towards the inner bearing. The seal is to keep grease in the hub (and off the brakes). So you would be tapping against the side with the wider expanse of metal when you put it in. Just my opinion though.. Quote
Guest 50Plymouth Posted March 30, 2007 Report Posted March 30, 2007 Thanks. It sure goes on easier with lip angled towards bearing! I think I'll install it in that orientation if I get to it yet tonight. Funny thing is the wider metal expanse is on the side that leaves the lip going away from bearing. Ryan Quote
Normspeed Posted March 30, 2007 Report Posted March 30, 2007 Wait to see if someone else has a different opinion. On my (work) computer, the screen is pretty dark. I may not be seeing the full picture. Are there 2 rubber lips both of the same size but pointing differently? Main thing, these seals are usually constructed so you will have a fairly large amount of metal to seat your seal installer tool on, so my rule of thumb is, that metal faces away from the bearing so you can whack it with the installer tool/wood block/large socket. Quote
bob westphal Posted March 31, 2007 Report Posted March 31, 2007 The lip always goes in the direction to hold fluids inside a gear box, etc. Quote
Guest 50Plymouth Posted March 31, 2007 Report Posted March 31, 2007 The lip always goes in the direction to hold fluids inside a gear box, etc. forgive my ignorance.. I assume this means the lip aims inward towards bearing, box, ect,. Quote
1just4don Posted March 31, 2007 Report Posted March 31, 2007 Most people think of a seal as keeping fluids or grease inside. Other people think of a seal as keeping dirt and grime OUT. My problem with facing the lip towards the bearing is it funnels the dirt past the shaft and seal by pushing it thru the seal. In "NEW" conditions,,,I think it probably would work that way. In extremely dirty or dusty conditions it MAY work better the other way. It really depends alot on space to work too. IT the seal runs right up to the end of the shaft,abutting the hub or what is holding the shaft and the lip has NO room to work,,then in is the ONLY option,,,to be faced in. . "IF" there is 'any' wear on the shaft surface or what it turns on,,,I wouldnt have a problem,if it gets clearance, to try one backward to seal OUT dirt and provide the 'perfect' mating surface,,which in MY opinion is more important than ins and outs. If you dont have a "perfect" mating surface for the seal to run on,,,all bets are off and it isnt going to work well or long anyway. Sorta an inverse porportion if you will. other thing you can think of,,,you can always add grease or oil to the inside periodicly,,,but you cant get the dirt out timely!!! Your mileage MAY and CAN vary!!! Quote
Guest 50Plymouth Posted March 31, 2007 Report Posted March 31, 2007 Arrg. I thought this would be simpler. Perhaps I should just try one each way and then I'll have gotten 50% right. I think facing 'out' and away from bearing would be a little better at keeping crud from entering but then it doesn't ride smooth and even on the spindle. Maybe I'm just obsessing... One hub is already installed with the seal aiming inward. There is 3/16" maybe as much as 1/4" spacing between steering knuckle and the back of the hub. Quote
Don Coatney Posted March 31, 2007 Report Posted March 31, 2007 I tried to look at your pictures but they no longer exist. Seals should be installed with the retaining spring on the wet (lubricated) side. Quote
Guest 50Plymouth Posted March 31, 2007 Report Posted March 31, 2007 I tried to look at your pictures but they no longer exist. Seals should be installed with the retaining spring on the wet (lubricated) side. Sorry, I was editing\updating sub-folders. Should be good now. I don't understand your comment about 'retaining spring'. Does that mean lip goes inward? Gotta keep it simple for me Quote
Don Coatney Posted April 1, 2007 Report Posted April 1, 2007 Follow this link for more information http://www2.chicago-rawhide.com/PDF/2005%20seal%20and%20its%20function.pdf Quote
Merle Coggins Posted April 1, 2007 Report Posted April 1, 2007 How come they don't put those little cartoons in manuals any more? I think they're fun. Merle Quote
Guest 50Plymouth Posted April 1, 2007 Report Posted April 1, 2007 Ahhh, the "golden age" of shop manuals. Good article Don. I'm officially leaving well enough alone and leaving lip inward (regardless of further replies ) Quote
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