Need to remove grease seal!

[snocross1985]

I am working on replacing my rotors right now. Problem is, I can't figure out how to get the grease seal off the old rotors so that I can take the bearings out and put them in my new rotors. I need to leave the house in about 2 hours, so please advise! I can reuse the old grease seal on the new rotors correct? I was not given any new ones with the new rotors, so I assume I can reuse the old seal? Help!

 

[Bashman]

You should always use new grease seals and they are usually purchased separately (not included). You have to pry the old seals out with a screwdriver.

 

[Longjohn119]

I'd get new ones, you probably tear them up trying to get them out ... you'll still have to pop them out to get to the bearings, I usually use two screwdrivers, one as a prybar and the other as a fulcrum ...

Don't forget to repack your bearings while you have everything apart and make sure there are no burrs on the spindle where the seal seats, a little emery cloth with clean them up if there are ... also torque the lug nuts down evenly and don't over tighten them or you'll warp the new rotor

 

[snocross1985]

Well, I just tried prying w/ a screwdriver and that seal is not budging one bit, but it is getting all bent up and mutilated. I am getting very frustrated here. WTF?! :fire:

 

[410Fortune]

So bend it up.
use a flathead and hammer to press in the lip all the way around the seal.
You cannt re-use grease seals (only in an emergency or if you ahve the proper ability to remove a grease seal unharmed)

They are like $2 ea and should be replaced every time you service the bearings.

So since you dont need the old one, beat it up until it is shaped so it will come out.

 

[CDW6212R]

Rotor grease seal removal

Replace them, they will leak grease when too old.

The rotor grease seals are very easy to remove:

Thread the spindle bolt onto the spindle about 1/4". Gently place the rotor onto the spindle, so that the nut is inside of the rotor, and the seal is inboard of the nut. While holding the rotor with both hands, gently resting on the nut, pull the rotor straight outward. The nut will catch the edge of the seal, and it will come out. One or two tries should do it. Good luck,
Don

 

[snocross1985]

I got it off earlier using a screwdriver to mangle it. Got 2 new sets of rotors and pads on my truck now. Man is it great to be able to stop good again.

 

[ExplorerDMB]

You should always use new grease seals and they are usually purchased separately (not included).

Here is a tip: when you back off the axle nut and remove the outter bearing, put the nut back on there and pull the rotor towards you and allow it to hit against the seal and the seal will sit on the axle with the rotors in your hand. No need for the screw driver. It's very easy and is very simple to do your first time.

-Drew

 

[Glacier991]

Good tip. Also there is a thread on how to tear them up in the Useful Threads section <g>.

 

[410Fortune]

but doesnt grease get everywhere? hahaha that is a good tip! Never thought of that method.....

 

[CDW6212R]

Here is a tip: when you back off the axle nut and remove the outter bearing, put the nut back on there and pull the rotor towards you and allow it to hit against the seal and the seal will sit on the axle with the rotors in your hand. No need for the screw driver. It's very easy and is very simple to do your first time.

-Drew

Okay, now we need someone else to suggest this for the third time.
Don

 

[snocross1985]

I agree, enough is enough