Recommended Seal for a 1 1/16th Inch Straight Spindle

Updated 04/05/2021 | Published 04/01/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Spindle Grease Seal Set for L44643 Inner Bearing and 1.980 Bearing Buddy

(390)

$20.41

Grease Seal

(2476)

$12.42

Complete Bearing Kit with L44649 Inner/Outer Bearings and 10-9 Grease Seal Fits 1.063" Spindles

(3392)

$16.27

Question:

John H, We have a 1992 Drexler axle with a straight spindle, 1-1/16inch in diameter. The spindle diameter changes to 1-6/16inch 1.375 or 1-7/16inch according to my caliper. Most over-the-counter bearing kits come with a 1.25inch I.D. x 1.98inch O.D. grease seal. It seams like we should probably be using a 1.5inch I.D. x 1.98inch O.D. grease seal that actually forms a mild seal around that larger diameter part of the spindle were calling it the axle at that point. Ive seen diagrams that illustrate the wide end of the tapered bearing should be seated up against the face of where the spindle changes to 1.375. So, two questions - 1 did we do it right to have the 1.5inch I.D. grease seal tapped into the hub next to the tapered bearing? 2 should we check to be sure the 1.5inch grease seal inside diameter surface is clearly seated around the wider diameter surface of the spindle while still being inside the hub?

asked by: Gordon B

Expert Reply:

With the spindle having a diameter of 1 1/16, you would want the bearing kit # BK1-150. This does include the larger 1.5 inch diameter seal # 10-9. The 1.25 inch diameter seal would be for a 1 inch diameter straight spindle.

The seal should have a fairly snug fit, but not excessively. It should also not be loose. This would cause it to leak and let water in, which would be bad.

I have included an install video the shows how to replace bearings, seals, and caps on hubs that should help as well.

expert reply by: Lazer S