Shaft seals

[PabloPicasso]

I just mangled a new shaft seal attempting to press it into its housing. Any tips on how to do this successfully s at home?

 

[bikedaft]

Use the back of the old one?

Spanner just bigger than shaft and gently.

 

[emmalina]

Use a socket !

 

[sailoppopotamus]

In the case of my rear oil seal I used the back of the old one. It didn't go smoothly, it was very hard to press in, and eventually didn't go in straight. I leveled it out but have my doubts as to whether it will seal properly. If I had to do the job again I'd make a press out of the old seal, a vise, and pieces of wood (I had the part on a workbench, not sure about your case).

 

[superheat6k]

Put the new seal in the fridge for a couple of hours to let it cool down. When ready heat the casing up with a hot air paint stripper. This expands the casing and the new and cold seal might just pop straight in with hardly any pressure.

 

[sailoppopotamus]

Put the new seal in the fridge for a couple of hours to let it cool down. When ready heat the casing up with a hot air paint stripper. This expands the casing and the new and cold seal might just pop straight in with hardly any pressure.

Are you sure the seal contracts when cooled? As far as I know rubbers usually do the opposite.

 

[superheat6k]

I assumed this was a metal cased seal as it was not described as a lip seal. For a lip seal a smear of grease or engine oil would help.

 

[PabloPicasso]

Put the new seal in the fridge for a couple of hours to let it cool down. When ready heat the casing up with a hot air paint stripper. This expands the casing and the new and cold seal might just pop straight in with hardly any pressure.

I did think of warming the casing bit hadn't considered cooling the seal. All good ideas.