Waterproof Wheel bearings rear seal

[davidpbo]

Following on from thread on waterproof grease. http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?465776-Waterproof-Grease-in-trailer-wheel-bearings

I am having little luck in finding waterproof rear seals, if anyone has a link to a site I would appreciate it. I am wondering if I can get ones where the seal is mounted on the bearing as there is some mild corrosion and pitting on the shoulder the seal runs on.

I will also try talking to Indespension and the original suppliers of my axles as well.

 

[VicS]

Perhaps you need a double lip seal

although perhaps something like this will be adequate

 

[GeorgeLlewellin]

If you immerse your boat trailer in the sea, you will sooner or later, get seawater inside the bearings, and the bearings will not last very long. When you arrive at the sea the hubs may be warm, when immersed in water they cool quickly and invariably suck in sea water. If the bearings are always immersed in grease and never get any water in them they should last a long time.

This problem is easily overcome by fitting “Bearing Savers”, these use springs to keep your wheel bearings under pressure. Obviously check your bearings and grease before a long journey, but by using these hub caps and always greasing before immersion the problem will be minimised.

£17.90 pair inc. VAT. Dust covers extra.
http://www.indespension.co.uk/unbraked-trailer-hubs/1074-a-pair-of-indespension-bearing-savers.html

Dust covers for Bearing Savers £1.09 each inc. VAT.
http://www.indespension.co.uk/unbraked-trailer-hubs/1075-a-cap-for-bearing-savers.html

This may overcome your problem, good luck, George

 

[davidpbo]

Perhaps you need a double lip seal

The seals I have are like the lower ones. I trying to source a double lip seal, might do better now I have a different name.

If you immerse your boat trailer in the sea, you will sooner or later, get seawater inside the bearings, and the bearings will not last very long. When you arrive at the sea the hubs may be warm, when immersed in water they cool quickly and invariably suck in sea water. If the bearings are always immersed in grease and never get any water in them they should last a long time.

This problem is easily overcome by fitting “Bearing Savers”, these use springs to keep your wheel bearings under pressure. Obviously check your bearings and grease before a long journey, but by using these hub caps and always greasing before immersion the problem will be minimised.

£17.90 pair inc. VAT. Dust covers extra.
http://www.indespension.co.uk/unbraked-trailer-hubs/1074-a-pair-of-indespension-bearing-savers.html

Dust covers for Bearing Savers £1.09 each inc. VAT.
http://www.indespension.co.uk/unbraked-trailer-hubs/1075-a-cap-for-bearing-savers.html

This may overcome your problem, good luck, George

Thank you for the information. I rarely launch in the sea, it is a 24ft trailerable sailing cruiser so from arrival to on the water is usually hours because of rigging it.

I am aware of the bearing savers but without a decent rear seal am concerned that they would push grease out the back. As I have to disturb the bearings to remove the hubs to inspect and clean the brakes and drum surfaces I suspect they may not be of great benefit.

 

[davidpbo]

I sourced some twin lipped bearing seals and a couple of bearings from
Simply Bearings http://simplybearings.co.uk who where very helpful.

 

[VicS]

I sourced some twin lipped bearing seals and a couple of bearings from
Simply Bearings http://simplybearings.co.uk who where very helpful.

Excellent but you still have to seal the outer ends of the hubs while still allowing for expansion/contraction ......... bearing savers!

 

[davidpbo]

Excellent but you still have to seal the outer ends of the hubs while still allowing for expansion/contraction ......... bearing savers!

Only if I pack or plan to pack the hubs without space for expansion. I certainly wish I had bought a cheaper grease than Ramonol Universal at £16 a tub. I don't think it is far short of a tub for each of 4 wheels if I pack near full.