Rusty wheel bearings
Submitted: Saturday, Aug 02, 2008 at 08:39
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lovely
Hi all. Just replaced the rear wheel bearings in my '95 disco. They were full of rust. The seals were intact and the rubber lip soft. Noticed a bit of rust on one of the axles just the diff. side of inner axle seal. diff. oil was dirty, but no emulsifying. The hub flange on the end of the axle had been sealed with some kind of selastic. The front bearings are fine. To state the obvious, moisture (
water) has been present. The question is where did it enter the bearings? Seals, diff. breather etc..?? I'll admit to driving through a bit sea
water on Fraser Island in the past, but gave the car a good wash under and over straight after. David
Reply By: Dunaruna - Saturday, Aug 02, 2008 at 09:38
Saturday, Aug 02, 2008 at 09:38
If the diff oil was dirty but not milky I would discount the breather.
Where the seal sits on the axle, is there a wear groove? Is the rust in that area? Did you try the new seal on the axle to see if it was a firm fit?
The silastic on the flange would indicate that it has been done before, it's possible that they used an inferior brand seal.
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Follow Up By: lovely - Saturday, Aug 02, 2008 at 17:32
Saturday, Aug 02, 2008 at 17:32
Hi Dunaruna, thanks. I did the left side myself as it was showing all the signs. Yes there was rust where the seal seats on the axle and I cleaned it up. No
sign of wear grove and seal was firm. It needed new disks and pads so sent the car to my brake place. They let me know the right side was also rusty so they replaced the bearings. As
well as the $s I prefer to do my own work so I know it's done right and the parts are the best. Talked to mechanic I know and his suggestion was, check them in 6 months. So that's my plan. My concern was that if it had happened before, it may happen again as I know I will in
water sometime. regards David
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Follow Up By: Dunaruna - Saturday, Aug 02, 2008 at 17:59
Saturday, Aug 02, 2008 at 17:59
If it does happen again, try a speedi sleeve on the sealing surface. Using emery paper or a wire brush on the sealing surface may make it look good but it won't do much for sealing, there will still be pit marks and an uneven surface.
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Follow Up By: lovely - Saturday, Aug 02, 2008 at 18:33
Saturday, Aug 02, 2008 at 18:33
Danauna, thanks again. Checked the info. on line, sounds good. Have a friend with the equipment, so will be easy enough to do. This
forum really is useful. David
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Reply By: Louie the fly (SA) - Sunday, Aug 03, 2008 at 12:35
Sunday, Aug 03, 2008 at 12:35
David, were the seals installed the correct way? Oil seals have a flexible lip that prevents the leakage or ingress of fluids and dirt. For proper installation, the seal lip needs to point towards the medium being contained.
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