Wheel Bearing Seals are not all the same.

[Mark42]

The wheel bearing seals I found at the local auto parts stores are rather poor quality and design for boat trailers. They typically have a single lip seal and no spring to pull the seal tight to the spindle.

Today i was repacking the bearings on my trailer, and needed new seals because 1) they were leaking water into the bearings, and 2) they did not come out easy and were trashed when removed.

I went to a different auto parts store to see if their seals were better, but they were out of stock and suggested a trailer store up the road.

The trailer store gave me a seal that is double lip (inner and outer) and a coil spring is wrapped around the inside lip so that it is squeezed against the spindle.

This seal is marked "TCM 12192TB". Made by TCM, its a great seal. This particular model is for 1" spindles. And they go in and out without being destroyed. I know, because i accidentally installed the seal on the outer bearing side of the hub (DOH!) But with a large screw driver, was able to gently pry it out without damaging it. Nice feature when you install it on the wrong side of the hub.

Couldn't find a pic of the spring side of the bearing, but here you can see the double lip:



Best part of all..... they only cost $3.22 each at a local retailer.

Specs:

12192TB Double Lip Grease Seal for 1" & 1 1/16" trailer wheel bearings

Very common grease seal used on standard BT8 trailer spindles. This Double lip rubber seal is spring loaded and is used with inner hub bearing #L44643 or L44649
Features:

• for use with BT8 spindles
• rubber, double lip design with steel construction

Specs:

• ID = 1.249"
• OD = 1.983"
• Width = .250"

picture and info from pacifictrailers.com

 

[BoatNoobie]

Re: Wheel Bearing Seals are not all the same.

I thought everyone knew this, lol.

I bought some Tie-Down seals and they are "Triple Lip", but they look like doubles to me.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Wheel Bearing Seals are not all the same.

I thought everyone knew this, lol.

I bought some Tie-Down seals and they are "Triple Lip", but they look like doubles to me.

Are they spring loaded ? This is what I used to see years ago, now when you buy a bearing kit, they come with non-spring loaded seals. All I ever see now is single lip seals, and most of those are poor quality. Even the seals from iboats don't have spring loaded seals. Spring loaded double lip seals should be standard equipment in a trailer bearing kit. Don't know why they are not.

 

[BoatNoobie]

Re: Wheel Bearing Seals are not all the same.

Are they spring loaded ? This is what I used to see years ago, now when you buy a bearing kit, they come with non-spring loaded seals. All I ever see now is single lip seals, and most of those are poor quality. Even the seals from iboats don't have spring loaded seals. Spring loaded double lip seals should be standard equipment in a trailer bearing kit. Don't know why they are not.

Made me double check, and yes there's a spring inside. I bought them from NorthernTool a few months ago.
The thing is, mine doesnt look like the picture you posted. The seal is a black rubber/plastic instead of that metal material.

Also, I dont even know 100% sure they are the right size. I emailed the trailer maker and gave them the model of my trailer. It should be correct....

 

[AK Bob]

Re: Wheel Bearing Seals are not all the same.

Where did you buy these seals, I can't find them anywhere and I agree, these are superior wheels seals, I just don't know where to buy more.