Brake Drum Grease Seals

[RVluvin]

I'm going to repack my hubs today. I've never replaced a grease seal that wasn't bad, but from what I've read on this forum, it's highly recommended to replace the seals. After I remove my first seal, am I going to find these seals at the auto parts store, or am I going to have to wait till tomorrow for the rv store to open?

[Shadowcatche]

You are probably done with this project already and no one else's made a stab at answering the question. It is always a wise idea to replace the seals, this comes under the heading of it doesn't hurt. As to whether you can find them at your local auto parts store is open to debate. You did not specify what hubs you're working on, motor home or trailer.

One of the things that I have noted is that RV trailer parts, hub sealsand bearings etc. are not necessarily the best quality. As an example there are three grades of roller bearings and I have yet to see anyone advertise or specify which grade they are using.

Good luck with your repacking job, and I will be curious as to what you find.

[puttin]

Anyone working on brakes and bearings usually recommends replacement of the seals. Once you've gotten as far as removing the drums- you might as well do it. The seals you can get almost anywhere. To pack the bearings just put a blob of grease in your palm and press the big side of the bearing into it until you see new grease coming out the other side. When you re install, use a big socket to cover the whole surface of the seal edge and tap in with a hammer. If you don't have a big socket, a piece of hardwood big enough to cover the seal is ok. Try to tap gently and don't hammer home one side of the seal before you do the other- it will warp it.

[RVluvin]

Thanks for the replys. This was a 36' 5er. I pop the first seal off on
Sunday, not a number, brand name or any typ of marking on the seal, so I knew it was pointless to go to the auto parts store. I did pick up 4 new seals from the rv store yesterday $16, and its a good thing cuz of the 4, one seal was bad, and another had just started to fail. This 5er is an 05, and the dust covers didn't appear to have ever been removed. I should be ok now.