Wheel Seals: Function, Fail Detection and How to Replace - Stemco

Function, Fail Detection and How to Replace

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What You Need to Know About Wheel Seals

The wheel ends of your truck or trailer are critical to optimal operation and have several components. One of the key components is the wheel seal. Because seals aren’t readily visible, you usually don’t know when one is damaged until you see oil leaking, hear grinding or sense steering difficulty when you’re driving. Following is a bit of general information about seals, tips for installing them and a link to step-by-step instructions for specific STEMCO seals.

What is a wheel seal?

Wheel seals are designed to keep the wheel bearing lubricant within the wheel end. They also keep all dirt, dust and other contaminants from entering the wheel end and damaging the bearings which are vital to keeping your wheels rotating smoothly.

What should a wheel seal be checked for?

Wheel seals can fail if they are improperly installed. Because the main job of the wheel seal is to keep the lubricant in the wheel end and on the bearings, wheel seals should be checked for leaking. It’s important to note that not all visible lubricant equates to a leak. Slight seepage can be the result of grease pre-lube escaping from a newly installed seal. But if the visible seepage extends well onto the hub or ABS tone ring, and is quite damp, the seal may be leaking and should be replaced as soon as possible.

How long can you drive with a leaking wheel seal?

There is no advisable safe distance you can drive with a leaking wheel seal. Should leaking lubricant get on your brakes, stopping ability is impaired. Always change a seal as soon as you detect leaking.

Is a leaking wheel seal a DOT violation?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the lead federal government agency responsible for regulating and providing safety oversight of commercial motor vehicles, a leaking wheel seal is a DOT violation and can result in having your vehicle labeled as out of service. Although they are small, wheel seals are flagged often. In fact, leaking wheel seal violations are on the FMCSA’s list of most common repair and maintenance-related violations. Please see TMC’s RP 631C which provides additional details on leaking seals.

Wheel seal replacement cost

Wheel end systems should be inspected pre-trip and post-trip to ensure optimal operation of the vehicle. Catching problems early is the key to containing maintenance costs because a semi truck wheel seal replacement will cost far less than a major job such as a spindle repair or axle replacement.

Can you reuse a wheel seal?

Sometimes wheel seals leak because they are improperly installed. If this is the case, you will need to remove that wheel seal and install a new seal. Once a wheel seal is installed, it can never be re-used and must be replaced with a new wheel seal.

Where do I start when replacing wheel seals?

The process for replacing wheel seals starts with finding the right part. The Hub Seal Reference Chart makes it easy.

What’s involved in replacing a wheel seal?

The process for replacing a wheel seal varies depending on the type of seal. Improper installation of wheel seals is a common cause of wheel seal failure so you’ll want to make sure you get it right. At the end of this blog, you’ll find a link to detailed step-by-step instructions for the installation of specific STEMCO seals. In general however, you’ll want to:

• Check the seal for fit — For spindle mount, slide the seal onto the spindle shoulder and check for gaps. For hub mount, put the seal over the hub and check for gaps.
• Confirm the direction of the seal — Some seals have text indicating which side goes toward the oil. If no text, put the side with the lip toward the oil.
• Select the right tool — Most wheel seal boxes indicate the tool needed.
• Lubricate if necessary — Check the packaging for lubrication needs.
• Drive the seal in place — Take care not to crush the seal as it can lead to leakage.
• Check for fit — For spindle mount, run your finger along the inside to double-check the seal is flat. For hub mount, move your finger along the outside of the new seal to make sure it’s flat and installed properly.

Step-by-step directions for replacing STEMCO seals

What is Wheel hub seals:

Wheel hub seals are an essential component of the wheel hub assembly in vehicles. They are designed to prevent dirt, debris, water, and other contaminants from entering the wheel bearing and causing damage. These seals are crucial for maintaining the proper functioning of the wheel hub, ensuring a smooth and safe driving experience.

Wheel hub seals are typically made of high-quality rubber or silicone materials that are durable and resistant to wear and tear. They are designed to fit snugly around the wheel hub, creating a tight seal that prevents any foreign matter from entering the wheel bearing. This helps to prolong the lifespan of the wheel bearing and reduce the risk of costly repairs or replacements down the line.

Benefits:

One of the key benefits of wheel hub seals is their ability to protect the wheel bearing from damage caused by moisture and other contaminants. When water or dirt enters the wheel bearing, it can lead to corrosion, friction, and ultimately, failure of the bearing. By installing a quality wheel hub seal, you can help to prevent these issues and ensure that your vehicle's wheel hub assembly remains in optimal condition.

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In addition to protecting the wheel bearing, wheel hub seals also help to maintain proper lubrication within the wheel hub assembly. The seal helps to keep the lubricant contained within the wheel bearing, preventing it from leaking out or becoming contaminated. This is essential for ensuring that the wheel hub assembly operates smoothly and efficiently, minimizing friction and wear on the moving parts.

Another important function of wheel hub seals is to provide a barrier against external elements such as dust, sand, and road debris. These contaminants can cause damage to the wheel hub and other components of the vehicle, leading to reduced performance and safety. By keeping these elements out, wheel hub seals help to preserve the integrity of the wheel hub assembly and ensure that your vehicle remains in top condition.

What is the most common cause of leaking wheel hub seals?

One of the most common issues that can arise with wheel hub seals is leaking. When a wheel hub seal begins to leak, it can lead to a range of problems, including inadequate lubrication, increased wear and tear on the wheel bearing, and potential damage to other components of the wheel assembly. Understanding the common causes of leaking wheel hub seals can help vehicle owners identify and address this issue before it leads to further complications.

One of the primary reasons for leaking wheel hub seals is wear and tear. Over time, the rubber or polyurethane material of the seal can deteriorate and lose its ability to effectively seal the gap between the wheel hub and axle shaft. This can result in oil or grease leaking out of the wheel bearing and onto the tire or surrounding components. Regular inspection and maintenance of wheel hub seals can help prevent this type of leakage and ensure that the seals are in good working condition.

Another common cause of leaking wheel hub seals is improper installation. If a wheel hub seal is not properly seated or secured in place during installation, it may be prone to leakage. This can occur if the seal is not aligned correctly with the wheel hub and axle shaft, or if the seal is damaged during installation. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations when installing wheel hub seals to prevent leakage and ensure a proper seal.

Additionally, contamination can also contribute to leaking wheel hub seals. If dirt, debris, or other contaminants become trapped between the wheel hub seal and axle shaft, it can compromise the seal's ability to effectively prevent leakage. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the wheel hub area can help prevent contamination and preserve the integrity of the wheel hub seal.

To correctly install a WHEEL HUB OIL seal, follow these steps:

1. Remove the wheel hub assembly: Before installing a new wheel hub oil seal, the wheel hub assembly must be removed from the vehicle. This typically involves removing the wheel, brake caliper, and rotor to access the hub assembly.

2. Clean the wheel hub: Before installing the new oil seal, it is important to thoroughly clean the wheel hub to remove any dirt, debris, or old sealant that may be present. Use a degreaser or solvent to clean the hub thoroughly.

3. Apply sealant: Before installing the new wheel hub oil seal, apply a thin layer of sealant to the outer edge of the seal. This will help to create a tight seal and prevent any oil from leaking out.

4. Install the new oil seal: Carefully place the new oil seal onto the wheel hub, ensuring that it is positioned evenly and securely in place. Use a seal driver tool to gently tap the seal into place, making sure it is properly seated in the hub assembly.

5. Reassemble the wheel hub assembly: Once the new oil seal is installed, reassemble the wheel hub assembly by replacing the rotor, brake caliper, and wheel. Make sure all components are properly tightened and secured.

6. Check for leaks: After installing the new wheel hub oil seal, check for any signs of leaks by visually inspecting the seal and wheel hub for any oil leakage. If any leaks are present, recheck the seal installation and make any necessary adjustments.
 

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