Bearing seals

[VA Chris]

So I buy the new trailer tires and while I'm at it I decide to swap out the bearings and races. I found the bearings but nobody has the seals. I can't order them because I am going on a fishing trip (150 miles) on Friday. I know you should replace the seals every time but I am in a pickle. The old seals look fine to me, I did not screw them up when I pulled them (at least not to the naked eye)What is the opinion on putting them back in at least until I can find some new ones. Is there any really good reason why I should not?

 

[Paul Jones]

If you have pulled out the old seals it's not a good idea to put them back in. It next to impossible to remove the seals without warping them our nicking the rubber.



Any marine shop should have replacements. I.E. Boats US, West Marine. Also try the boat dealers. Take the old seal with you to compare.

 

[Dewey Storie]

You can always try MOTION INDUSTRIES in WINCHESTER , VA if you can't find them anywhere else take the seal with you

 

[Dewey Storie]

Chris, I know that Motion carries industrial seals thats why I said take it with you ... the numbers on the seal may not match what they have, but if you take the seal to them they can measure the OD & ID and try to match it. Reusing a seal is not a good idea because the seal is made to keep dirt and water out of the grease and bearings, a used seal may not look damaged but may not also run true on the shaft leaving gaps

 

[Thomas Macaluso]

Try your local NAPA dealer they might be able to cross reference the part# to a seal used by a car or truck . I know that years ago they were able to do that for me for my old Alumncraft trailer

 

[David Hunt]

How did you pull them out?

Did you take the outer bearing out and then put the castle nut back on and yank the tire so that the inner bearing popped the seal out?

Or did you take the entire assebly off the spindle and then use a puller?

Or did you pull the entire assembly out and use a punch to knock the seal out?



If you used a puller, you probably damaged the seal. If you used the castle nut and the seal looks ok, then you will probably be ok for your short drive. You might have a mess if the grease gets out, but that's about it. If you punched the seal, it is a 50/50 chance either way.



Just bring your grease gun with you to help pump out the water after launch. If it were me, I wouldn't change the bearings until I had the correct seals.



good luck,



david.....

 

[Carlos Hathcock III]

Tom Mac hit it on the head. NAPA will mor ethen likely have them in stock.

 

[Mike Moss]

Go to napa.I purchased some yesterday for mine.The seal has a part number on the rubber lip.Very tiny but with a bright lite you can see it.

 

[Steve Rizza]

Now that is a good woman.

Mine would have came home with a new propeller or something.



Have a good trip.