How to Determine the Right Replacement Grease Seal for a Trailer

Updated 04/03/2015 | Published 04/02/2015

Question:

What is the part number and size of the grease seal needed for this dexter 7000lb never adjust brake hub/drum with the ez lube spindles? 8 lug, 5 bolt backing. After following dexters recommendation for gently and slowly pumping in grease while turning the wheel, until grease comes out the front, for the last two years, I now have a drum full of grease. I plan to check the others tomorrow. Recommendations for future greasing? If not, I plan to hand repack yearly. New seals are far cheaper than shoes and magnets or assemblies. We drive 12 - 20 k miles a year with our fiver, all over the country.

asked by: Brandon M

Helpful Expert Reply:

The seal needed is going to depend on the inner and outer bearing numbers stamped into the sides of the bearings. Or if you know the part number of the hub I could look it up to determine the correct seal.

The grease seal though is meant to hold the grease in the hub and not let it leak out the back of the hub. If the drum is filling with grease then it is leaking out somewhere else. You will need to make sure that the correct bearings and races are being used.

There are some measurements you can take on your spindle but you will need to use dial or digital calipers because the measurements need to be as accurate as possible. I have included a picture that shows where you would measure and where part numbers are on bearings, races, and seals. On EZ lube spindles make sure you are using EZ lube hubs and double lip seals.

expert reply by: Michael H