zigzag240 Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 (edited) I just finished replacing the rear wheel bearings on my '70 240 and I'm tightening everything back up. The stub axles now spin freely with one finger, but when I insert the rear flange into the rear seal, the metal lip going into the seal adds a fair amount of drag which is odd. With everything torqued down the axle is harder to rotate (take one hand) but it's not from the bearings (I checked), it's the grease seal holding the flange lip. The seal is the correct Beck Arnley seal (factory is unavailable). Has anyone else noticed the seal adding appreciable drag when rebuilding the stub axles? Thanks anyone... Edited March 13, 2011 by zigzag240 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt1 Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 It's pretty normal for the seal to add some drag, but it should be a small amount. With the seal in place, the stub shouldn't "free spin", i.e. keep spinning after you give it a good twist, but it should rotate easily with just a twist. I would examine it closely to make sure there isn't any metal to metal contact, and if that's the case, give it a try. Be sure the surface on the stub that meets the seal has a little grease on it to lubricate the seal. jt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zigzag240 Posted March 14, 2011 Author Share Posted March 14, 2011 I took a 2nd look and agree with you. The drag isn't really that much, both side feel equal and smooth. I can turn it with three fingers, I suspect a few miles and heat/cool cycles loosen the seal slightly. Makes sense that the shrunken 40 year old seal didn't drag as much. I was just being paranoid and hoped to have the hub 'freewheel' the way the front does when spun. Thanks...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.