Using Gasket Maker on Grease Seals

Updated 03/08/2011 | Published 03/07/2011

Question:

I just order some 10-36 seals from you and was reading a Dexter axle manual that said to apply high temp red RTV silicone gasket to the outside of the seal before installation. I am putting these on the EZ-lube axle and wondering if this is really needed as I have not seen it mentioned anywhere else. I am guessing it would help to seal against the pressure of pumping in grease. Should I apply the rtv or is it not needed?

asked by: Jason B

Expert Reply:

Using the gasket product is not really necessary, as the 10-36 double lip seal will do a good job of keeping the grease in its place unless the hub is being overfilled with grease. If you are dealing with a idler hub with no brake assembly or brake mounting flange on the axle, applying some of the product to the seal AFTER the hub is in place on the spindle would be fine, but placing the gasket product on the seal before the hub is slid onto the spindle could cause the gasket material to contaminate the interior of the hub.

expert reply by: Mike L