rear hub grease seals
 

How far into the hub do the rear hub grease seals go on my 1940 ford rear end drums?

Re: rear hub grease seals
 

The seals should be driven in far enough to clear the snap ring groove.

Re: rear hub grease seals
 

Well that is confusing, since the snap ring is against the bearing, and the seal goes in after.

Re: rear hub grease seals
 

Here's a few photos that may help. I tapped the seal in so it seats on the ridge in front of the bearing. Car is 40 Ford. Double check to make sure you have the seal facing the correct direction. I am not sure I got it right. The last photo shows a 40 ford rear hub i bought in 1964. Notice how it appears to have grooves for 2 snap rings - one for the bearing and another for the seal. Were some rear hubs made like that configuration or are my eyes playing tricks on me.?

Re: rear hub grease seals
 

The picture shows the bearing, seal then snap ring.

Re: rear hub grease seals
 

That is what confused me. Mine has a groove for the snap ring at the bearing, but none for the seal. I just drove the seal in against the bearing snap ring, and according to my measurements, the seal should ride in the correct place. Time will tell.

Thanks to all who responded.

Re: rear hub grease seals
 

You will be fine as that seal is pretty snug.

Re: rear hub grease seals
 

Thanks for all the replies.

Re: rear hub grease seals
 

Seals have a "V"shaped sealing element. If you apply pressure to the "top of the V", the V will spread out and hold pressure. If you apply pressure to the "bottom of the V", the sides will collapse allowing pressure to pass. In a rear end, you want ALL seals installed to keep pressure away from the brakes. That's ALL seals, even at the bearing at the front of the torque tube.

Re: rear hub grease seals
 

I've installed more of these than I care to recall. Each and every one required that the bearing be installed and THEN the seal and finally the snap ring.

Re: rear hub grease seals
 

Your eyes are playing tricks on you. There is one snap ring that holds both the bearing and grease seal in place.

Re: rear hub grease seals
 

OK, Thanks, Mike. Guess I need new spectacles.

Re: rear hub grease seals
 

Mine have one snap ring, and it is right at the bearing, not at the seal. You may have done many of these, but not this one.