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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: Edemich on May 04, 2015, 05:54:04 pm

Title: Inner Spindle Bearing Grease Seal
Post by: Edemich on May 04, 2015, 05:54:04 pm

I have searched and searched for info on this little guy.   I am giving up and just asking the forum. 

I don't remember how the old ones came out.  I have replaced the inner spindle bearing and the new seal is open on one side.  Veed for lack of a better term.

Which way does it install,  vee towards axle housing or towards outer hub, I.e. Pointing away from the truck.

This is on an 85' K20 4x4, front spindle bearing grease seal.

Thanks.

Title: Re: Inner Spindle Bearing Grease Seal
Post by: Edemich on May 04, 2015, 09:55:20 pm

I have seen it installed both directions depending on manufacturer.  Including the plastic spacer between the spindle and the axle.  Seen it beveled side in towards knuckle and also the other way.

Maybe it doesn't matter.  Maybe it does.


This is confusing.  Any help with this would be much appreciated.

Title: Re: Inner Spindle Bearing Grease Seal
Post by: Irish_Alley on May 06, 2015, 09:27:50 am

http://www.mediafire.com/view/370br3dzv2buo8x/Corporate_Axle_1977-1983.pdf
does this help?

Title: Re: Inner Spindle Bearing Grease Seal
Post by: Edemich on May 06, 2015, 03:45:31 pm

Thanks Irish.  No it doesn't help.  It is number 49 on the parts picture.  It is like a mini version of the rear hub seal.  Open or channeled on one side and not on the other.  It's purpose is to keep water out of the inner hub and keep grease in.  No where does it say which way is the correct way to install it. 

My thought is just like the rear hub seal but I wanted to get some second opinions.

The thrust washer on most trucks is easy as the chamfered edge towards the knuckle allows it to spin freely and sit closer to the metal slinger on the axle stub.

Title: Re: Inner Spindle Bearing Grease Seal
Post by: enaberif on May 06, 2015, 03:49:09 pm

- Inner spindle should be large rubber washer with lip first and the lip points towards the tire.
- Then you take your flat washer with a bevel and the bevel goes towards the inside
- Seal for spindle bearing goes with the V pointing towards the tire

The reason to put the seal this way is think of how everything goes together. If you put it so the seal had the V towards the inside of the truck when you slide everything together the shaft could catch the lip and rip it out.

But when you put the V towards the outside then when you slide the shaft on everything seats like its supposed to and since you have the flat edge pointing towards the inside of the truck and you have the bevel washer with the bevel pointing inwards the two seal against each other to protect your bearings.

Title: Re: Inner Spindle Bearing Grease Seal
Post by: Edemich on May 06, 2015, 09:59:57 pm

Thanks a bunch!  I can wrap my brain around that!