bearing seals

[radioman]

Yesterday I took my trailer out to repack my bearings for the year. I found the rear seals ( i think that is what its called) looked bad. If you look in the picture, There is a metal coil that is twisted. I found that wedged in the rear bearing gap. That was the worst one. The other 3 were ok, but same thing wedged in the rear bearing. I went to the local trailer store to pick up new seals and metal coil and found that the metal coil is supposed to be PART of the rear seal.

Whats the purpose of the metal coil? What caused the metal coil to fall out and wedge in the bearing? Is the castle nut too tight maybe? normal?

Another question I have is that the local trailer store says they only have single gasket seal and mine were double seal. he says the single will work, but I told him I preferred what was in there before, use the double. Whats the different really ? other then thicker rubber ? Will the single really work for long time use ?

 

[JESSE1]

The coil should have been in between the rubber seals. It was there to keep them separated. I've never used a double seal, always had the single seal. The double seal is probably used when you're using a bearing buddy and pumping grease into the hub. The inner seal may have failed and allowed the coil to contact the bearing.

 

[dodge man]

I thought the metal coil is to act like a spring, and help keep the seal tight. But I'm not sure.

 

[JESSE1]

I thought the metal coil is to act like a spring, and help keep the seal tight. But I'm not sure.

I think you're right. Haven't seen one in a while but I believe it goes around the outside of the inner seal to keep it pulled tight against the spindle. The spring probably got weak and worked its way off the seal and got pulled into the bearing.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I only use double lip seals. Singles are junk. The metal ring is a spring to keep pressure on the seal. Get double lip seals to replace. Your seal will have a number on it on the rubber part. Give this guy a call with the number and he will get them right out to you.

R and P Carriages Trailer Sales, Service, Parts and Rentals

By the way that number is the size. Example is 125255. It means the seal is 1.25" inside dia and 2.55" outside dia. Just put some grease on the black rubber part and a light coat on the spindle before installing to prevent burning of the seal.

Chris

 

[tractorsanmore]

Radio man
the spring on your seal can come off when you install the seal if your not careful . I always put a thin film of grease and coat the spring ( no need to remove spring from seal ) before installation .

 

[FlaDon]

I only use double lip seals. Singles are junk. The metal ring is a spring to keep pressure on the seal. Get double lip seals to replace. Your seal will have a number on it on the rubber part. Give this guy a call with the number and he will get them right out to you.

R and P Carriages Trailer Sales, Service, Parts and Rentals

By the way that number is the size. Example is 125255. It means the seal is 1.25" inside dia and 2.55" outside dia. Just put some grease on the black rubber part and a light coat on the spindle before installing to prevent burning of the seal.

Chris

I agree. Double seals are the way to go.The innermost lip of the seal keeps the lube in while the outer keeps dirt out and serves as a backup seal to the lube if the inner one fails. Some older double lip seals are replaced by pairs of singles. And in heavy gearbox use, it isn't uncommon to find an outer double lip seal with a space for geasing and another double lip seal inside that to retain oil under pressure. All lips facing in toward the gearbox.

 

[radioman]

thanks for responses guys- I just picked up double seals today that just came in overnight. i see where the coil springs is supposed to go. Looks like all of my old ones is destroyed compared to new ones. Look like i caught it in time. toamrrow I will be installing them. Today I spent the better part of the day replacing my 7 blade receptacle that been in the truck for over 7 years due to salt, rust and brittle plastic from sun.