How to Measure to Determine Correct Grease Seal

Updated 03/13/2017 | Published 03/10/2017

Question:

Last year I Purchased 4 BK1-100 bearing kits, I replaced the ones which had failed , but at the time I wok=ndered about the size of the seal, it is approx. 1 316inch diameter, where the axle is 1, this means the seal can ride over the ridge on the axle. I assume I am missing something, but am uncertain what my problem is?

asked by: Nelson B

Expert Reply:

For a grease seal to fit properly it needs to have an inner diameter that matches the spindle diameter and an outer diameter that matches the hub's bore, which is where the seal installs. Please refer to the linked diagram that shows where a seal rides on the spindle, point B.

Measurements for things like bearings and seals have to be very exact, and generally require a digital caliper like # PTW80157 that can give you very precise readings, ideally to the nearest thousandth.

Once you have your spindle and hub bore dimensions you can use the linked page to select a grease seal that matches.

expert reply by: Adam R