Date:         Tue, 10 May 2016 15:55:08 -0700
Reply-To:     Neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Engine Oil Seal (and similar) vs Axle Bearing Grease Seal, Install
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Hi all. Please correct me if I'm wrong. The following is musings of an amateur
enthusiast!

Given my prior misunderstanding of oil/grease seal design, and
subsequent helpful
comments provided, here's what I think I've learned:

- if the OD (outer diameter) of a WBX engine oil seal was lubricated
prior to install, it
*likely* won't come loose from the engine; it's a pretty rigid seal design.
- leave OD of a grease seal and area it seats into, dry before install
- with either type of seal, lube portion of lip(s) that sees friction.
e.g. from flywheel hub, wheel
hub.

Why I think this is true. Again, please correct me if I'm wrong!

- if a seal is more rigid (e.g. engine oil seal at flywheel end), it
may require lubrication at OD
to aid in installation. Regardless, the more rigid design helps it
stay in place.
- if we assume that a grease seal is generally more flexible, (e.g.
for axle bearing
assemblies), that flexibility likely makes installation easier thus
the seal OD doesn't require
lubrication at time of install. And since it's more flexible, adding
lube to OD could allow seal to pop loose over time.
- if the same lube as used for the seal application is not applied to
seal lip(s) that sees
friction, that part of the seal will likely wear prematurely.

(if you look closely at your flywheel when you replace the oil seal,
you may see a ridge or
groove. I was surprised to know this was possible, but AFAIK, the
flexible oil seal lip is what
causes that groove.)

I once again watched the infamous Boston Bob oil seal etc. install video.
Link to video:

https://picasaweb.google.com/101290228103300323836/BostonBobFlywheelVideo#5543000332201103922

Bob shows oil being applied to a new engine oil seal (clutch end of
engine) and to
area on engine where seal installs. However. Tencentlife, aka Chris Corkin (sp?)
builder of WBX engines, states in upper case bold, to install the same
seal, dry:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1559514&highlight=install+dry+case#1559514

But then that post was in 2006. Experience and opinions can change.
I don't wish to misquote him.
(I should really go repair my bus today as opposed to searching for more info
on the 'net.... again)

In this SKF pdf of "Wheel end bearing and seal installation guide
Automotive edition Featuring front and rear wheel drive models",
they don't mention lubing the OD of
seal so I assume they are tacitly saying don't lube the OD of the grease seal.

"Place the inner bearing in the hub. Lightly coat the lip of the new
SKF seal with the same wheel bearing grease.
6. Slide the seal onto the proper SKF installation tool. ....."

http://www.skf.com/binary/79-61236/457809.pdf


Neil.



--
Neil n

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