Trailing arm - outer seal question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 699
Likes: 46
From: Charlotte NC
Trailing arm - outer seal question
I had to pull out a rear spindle today. Obviously the outer seal comes out with it since the outer bearing is pressed on. Do I absolutely have to pull off the bearing to remove the seal in order to reinstall in the correct order (bearing in housing, tap in seal, then install spindle)? OR is it possible to get the seal to go back in after the spindle is pressed back in? Only guys who have rebuilt trailing arms will know what I mean haha. Reason I ask is every time I pull an outer bearing off a spindle it buggers it up a little and this is a brand new Timken bearing - I don't want to ruin it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 591
From: McHenry Illinois
Normally, yes, you will have to remove the bearing and put it in the housing then install the seal. I've never tried it, but I've heard of putting it back together like it is, and then prying the seal into place with a screwdriver. Is the bearing clearance already set up right?
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 374
Likes: 12
From: PHILADELPHIA PA
I would think that the outer bearing would distort the outer seal when pulling it apart. would not re-use it and have grease leak over everything when warm.
