9 inch axle seal question

[WSSix]

I have tapered bearings so my seals are on the axle not in the tubes. I can't find any info on if the seal is supposed to sit flush with the axle housing before putting the outer retainer plate on. Or, does the retainer plate press the seal in the rest of the way? I don't have a long way to go but I also don't have any t-bolts here to try. If the seal is supposed to sit flush from just pushing it in, does anyone have an idea as to why mine aren't seating fully?

I have FM7900 ends on my 10 bolt and am using the tapered bearings from Timken supplied by Moser. The retaining plate is the proper one for GM10/12 bolts with tapered bearings also from Moser, 9900TB. Axles were cut properly and the bearings were installed in the proper location. Never worked with a 9 inch or these type bearings before and don't want to screw it up.

Thanks

[SSLance]

I've never used that particular setup, but from just in general seal setup, they are a bit tight going in usually because of the coating around the outside edge that seals them against the housing. If I remember the tapered bearing setup correctly, the axle and bearing are already in place when pressing the seal into the housing, correct? Doesn't the hub make it difficult to get any real pressure onto the seal to push it in? I would think using the retaining plate to push the seal the rest of the way in is a good method...

The only issue might be if there isn't enough room inside the axle end for the seal to fit, you'll end up crushing it. Can you measure everything before putting it in to make sure there is enough room for it to go fully in without binding or crushing?

[WSSix]

That's my concern, Lance. I don't want to crush the seal. I can't really measure, no. The seal feels like it can be pushed in more but without having bolts I can't try it and see.

Yes, the seal is on the outside of the bearing. You slide the axle in, knock it with a mallet to get the bearing in which then also gets the seal in most of the way, and then place the retaining plate on and bolt it down. Always sounds easier on paper when it's your first time.

[Musclerodz]

They don't sit flush, the bearing sits a little proud about 1/16-1/8".

[WSSix]

Thanks, Mike.That's about how far out the seal is sticking now. I appreciate the feedback.

[SlowProgress]

Sounds like you got it figured out. Here is how mine looked with the Torino ends before the taper bearing seal was crushed down. I was worried too but they installed fine.

http://i.imgur.com/VOrIiiOl.jpg

Scott

[WSSix]

Thank you, Scott. That's exactly what mine looks like, too.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

The retainer fits around the outer ring of the seal. The 7900 fm should allow the seal to fit flush so you can use a brake bracket as a seal retainer. Are you sure it's a 7900 fm?

Edit, just read mikes post. Yes it will protrude 1/16" from the surface.

[WSSix]

I appreciate it, Vince. You just gave me an idea though. I have the retainers. I didn't think about using the brake plate as the retainer too. I'm going to have to keep that in mind when I go to put the brakes on. Hopefully, I can eliminate the retainer plate which will keep me from worrying about what I'm going to do for t bolts. I was worried I wouldn't be able to find long enough to bolts. Though, admittedly, I haven't looked yet either.