A Quarterly Publication of Consolidated Metco, Inc.
Fall 2010 - Volume 7
Proper Seal Installation Guidelines for Steer,
Drive and Trailer Hubs
Seal replacement is one of the most common wheel end service activities for trucks and trailers. There are several factors that will greatly affect the life of a wheel seal. These factors include the way the seal is installed into the hub, the way the spindle is prepared, the way the hub is handled, and then how the hub is installed onto the spindle. Prior to reinstalling the hub onto the spindle, the spindle must be properly cleaned to remove any rust or debris. This may require the use of emery cloth to polish the seal journal on the spindle. After the spindle has been cleaned, it should be inspected to insure there is no damage to the spindle. The key to preventing seal problems can most often be found in the installation instructions that the seal manufacturer
includes with the seal. Each seal has very specific requirements regarding proper installation. The requirements may include the use of a specially designed seal installation tool (see Figure1 and Figure 2), whether the outside diameter of the seal should be lubricated prior to installation, should the seal be installed onto the spindle or into the hub, and should the inside diameter of the seal be lubricated before the hub is placed onto the spindle.
After the seal is installed, the hub should be handled in a manner that protects the seal from damage and prevents it from becoming cocked in the bore of the hub. To prevent the seal from becoming cocked or damaged, do not store the hub assembly sitting directly on the seal. When the hub is placed onto the spindle, do not allow the seal to strike the end of the spindle. Hold the outer bearing in place when the hub is installed to provide alignment between the hub and the spindle. The outer bearing will also help to support the hub and keep the seal from becoming cocked. Another factor that may affect seal life is the lubricant used in the wheel end. Each seal manufacturer has a list of lubricants that have been tested and are approved for use with its seals. This list is available directly from the seal manufacture or can be found on the ConMet website at www.conmet.com. Prevention is the key to long seal life. Read and follow the manufacturer’s product specific instructions. Also note that the various seals from the same seal manufacturer may have very different installation requirements. For this reason, it is important to follow the instructions that are specific to the seal being installed.
Figure 1: Hand Installable Seal
Figure 2: Designated Seal Installation Tool
Additional service information is available at www.conmet.com
or by calling ConMet Customer Service at 800-547-9473.
Seal replacement is one of the most common wheel end service activities for trucks and trailers. There are several factors that will greatly affect the life of a wheel seal. These factors include the way the seal is installed into the hub, the way the spindle is prepared, the way the hub is handled, and then how the hub is installed onto the spindle. 
