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Question 491182

Replacing Broken Oil Seal Springs 168255TC

Updated 10/21/2020 | Published 10/19/2020

Question:

I have a trailer by EB Enterprises, I think with the following: inner bearing L68149 outer bearing L44649 inner bearing seal 168255TC These were packed with grease, though I read on your site that the 168255TC was for oil bath hubs. Does this make sense to you? Can the 168255TC be used on grease hubs as well???? The bearings look fine, I plan to repack them with new grease. But, when the seal was removed, a small spring, about the diameter of the seals, was destroyed on each wheel. see photo Does this mean I need new seals? If so, should I order the 168255TC or the 168255TB seal I read about the TB seal on your site.

asked by: Pete L

Expert Reply:

The 168255TC oil seal is designed for use on for oil bath hubs, but they can be used on grease hubs. They basically just provide a better seal to hold oil in; they will still work for grease. The springs on your oil seals are required to function correctly, so you will need to replace the oil seals.

We do not have oil seals available in the size you need. However, you can replace your oil seals with a grease seal. The Double Lip Seal # 168255TB will replace your oil seal. To do this, you need to completely clean out the oil from your hub and bearings, then pack the bearings with grease and reinstall them with the grease seal. If you already have grease hubs, you just need to remove the oil seal and replace it with the grease seal.

I recommend going with grease over oil, as grease is generally more reliable than oil and helps to seal contaminants away from the inside of your bearings.

Check out the videos linked below for details on how to properly pack your bearings with grease and install them with the grease seal.

expert reply by: John R