Removing seal when packing bearings

[John in MN]

Yesterday, I checked and packed the bearings on my new trailer. On this trailer, the inside bearing is larger in diameter than the outside bearing. I had a ##### of a time getting the seal off. On my old trailer, both bearings were the same diameter so I could knock the seal out with a screw driver stuck through from the outside. Any ideas on an easy way to get the bearing out on the new trailer. I ended up using a crow bar but there must be an easier way.

[wallywacker]

I remove outer bearing then take a old shovel handle that tapers to a diameter larger than the inner bearing inside diameter, drop the hub onto the shovel handle (seal facing up) hub assembly will catch at a point on the handle, then I give it a couple of good taps on the concrete floor and the bearing and seal pop right out. Use a piece of foam rubber with a hole in the center,(so handle hits the floor not the foam rubber) lay it on cement floor so hub doesn't hit on cement. Used this method for 20yr with no problems.

[DRP]

The easiest way to remove the seal on any hub is to remove the spindle nut, spacer and inner bearing. Than put the spindle nut back on the shaft 4-5 turns. Grab the hub, jerk it forward and down (so that the inner bearing contacts the spindle nut). This will pop the inner bearing and seal out everytime. Good Luck..

[DRP]

The easiest way to remove the seal on any hub is to remove the spindle nut, spacer and outer bearing. Than put the spindle nut back on the shaft 4-5 turns. Grab the hub, jerk it forward and down (so that the inner bearing contacts the spindle nut). This will pop the inner bearing and seal out everytime. Good Luck..

[John in MN]

Have you ever damaged the inner bearing using this method?

[Stan]

John,

The above posts certainly are methods that work. One that was missed was by using a seal puller. They retail for under $10 at your local auto parts store, and give enough leverage on the seal only, to remove it without chancing hitting the bearing or race. When removing a seal this way, the seal ends up being trashed due to distortion of the metal. I always install new seals evey time I repack bearings, cheap insurance in the long run.

Take Care

[REW]

I 2nd John's posting.
After being frustrated in pulling seals on trailer wheels as well as other types of motors etc.; I purchased a $7.95 seal puller at the local auto parts store.

Why didn't I do it sooner?
No problems, no bearing damage, and no frustration.

Take care

REW

[DRP]

John,

Although I have never damaged a bearing and my process is probably the quickest, I think using a seal puller may be your best choice. I'm guessing that the majoity of Auto and Boat Mechanics out in the field still use the process I described earlier.

[Smokey]

I just use one of the jaws of a pair of channel locks, the jaw from the arm that has the greatest bend in it. Just slip the tip of the jaw under the lip of the seal and tap the end of the handel end with a hammer and the seal pops right out. Been doing it that way for years and haven't done any damage to the channel locks yet.

S.