wheel bearing seals

9

995jim

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 27, 2016
Messages
41
Hello, Is it possible or just not recommended to reuse a wheel bearing (back side of hub)seal in order to access the bearing on a boat trailer. Not sure if there is a tool that safely removes a seal without oblong Ing or deforming it
thanks jim
 
Scott Danforth

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
51,209
There are tricks to getting the seal out with the inner bearing.

It's about a 25% chance the seal can be reused

But for the $3 it is highly recommended to just replace
 
K

kenny nunez

Captain
Joined
Jun 20, 2017
Messages
3,443
Just a word of caution about grease seals. Always check that the inner lips of the seal fit tight over where they are seal the water out. And of course that they are the correct size for the hub.
Sometimes the seal surface on the axle shaft may have to be repaired with a Speedy Sleeve to covet rusting and pitting.
 
bwkre

bwkre

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 11, 2010
Messages
181
Many seals are available in single or double lip. Cheaper bearing kits seem to often have single lip seals which may be ok for other trailer applications. A double lip seal will provide better protection in harsh environments. Best to spend a few bucks more and get double lip.
 
M

MBAKER

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 9, 2008
Messages
291
If you go online to places like thebigbearingstore.com if you buy in bulk like 5 or 10 minimum. these things are only a buck and some change. Keep some extra around to use when needed. For that price no need to reuse.

To answer your question I would not reuse it in a boat trailer. Some hubs you are able to use the inner bearing and nut to smoothly remove the seal and in some cases I have reused those but they were very specific cases and I knew the condition going back in.
 
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