Double Bearing Mod Dust Seal

[Hoghead]

I did the double bearing mod and had the nylon ring for a dust seal, but did not really want to use it. I went to a seal supplier that has seals for oilfield equipment and high pressure hydraulics. I could not match up a seal but ended up finding this. This is material that is used as a wiper that fits above the seal on a hydraulic shaft to help keep dirt away from the seal. it is a dense foam. I had it cut to this size. I then stuck it to the hub with silicone. Then greased the spacer and stuck the axle through to line it all up and let it sit overnight. I tested it tonight for 50 miles and there was no buildup of heat on it and it looks as if it is working very well. I did have to be very careful as not to tear it during reassembly. I will update when I do the next relube probably around 15k.       
[/img]http://vrcc.photostash.com/vrcc_32101/100_4681.jpg[/img]

[X Ring]

Good luck with that Hoghead.  Let us know how it holds up.  The foam concerns me so you may want to check it frequently to make sure it is not deteriorating. 

Marty 

[Valkpilot]

That's certainly a worthy experiment. 

It sounds like the material may be intended for pretty harsh operating conditions, so it may hold up fine.

Did you consider letting it float instead of adhering it to the wheel so that it's forced to turn?  Might be another worthy experiment for one of us.

Even if it comes apart, you're no worse off than the double-row bearing mod without the Nylos ring.

Nice idea.

[Hoghead]

The foam is impervious to oil, grease and some solvents. I took some out of the rams an old car lift one time and they were still all intact. My biggest concern is the exposure to the elements. In a ram they are sealed. I did coat the whole back side with silicone and probably should have coated the whole thing. If I can find rubber that thickness I will experiment with it, but I don't think it will hold the grease as well and may result in heat build up. The porosity of the foam allows the grease to stay. I wanted it fastened to the wheel to keep it stationery and to seal the grease. It slides on the spacer very easy and the little groove in the spacer holds grease in it. As you can see in the second pic the seal is not touching the flange so there is not a lot of friction.
I probably could have just coated the bearing in silicone like in the third pic amd achieved the same results. Sometimes more is not better.