Bearing Seal Replacement

[Evirk]

Hi folks. Getting ready to repack the wheel bearings on our Casita 17 Spirit Deluxe. 1) Do I need to replace the rear seal when I repack the bearings? Would prefer to reuse it. 2) Also, any info on what bearings, races and seals I need to buy if I find pitting? Would like to get them local like at NAPA if possible. 3) Finally, any opinions on using permatex red on outside of seal when I put it in?
Thanks
Evirk

[mary and bob]

Install new seals. The bearings have numbers on them so any parts store can provide replacements. Be aware that there are cheap bearings and better bearings, my local parts store always asks if I want the cheap ones or the good ones. Recently I bought USA made Timken bearings from Amazon. Get some extra rubber plugs for the dust cap as they deteriorate and crack.

[Darwin Maring]

Check Tractor Supply for parts. May be less expensive.

[Raspy]

Definitely replace the seals.

You can get good seals at NAPA, or get seals and Timken bearings on Amazon. Either find the numbers on the bearings and seals, or go to NAPA with them and let the guy measure them.

If you replace the bearings, replace the bearing and the race.

A good grease is Lucas Xtra Heavy Duty green grease. Usually available at NAPA, or definitely on Amazon.

Perfectly OK to use a thin smear of Permatex on the outer rim of the seal, but not needed.

[Iowa Dave]

Personally I prefer Timken made in USA bearings, I buy Dexter seals at $3.01 each from my local Dexter dealer. I use either Lucas extra duty (green) or Lucas Red and Tacky for grease. I get new dust cover plugs with new brake sets and save the old ones but have never had dexter dust cover plugs deteriorate. Some use permatex on the seal, I do not. I’ve never had a leaker. I do put a light coating of grease on the seal (all over).

I did not like the price on bearings from my local NAPA store and they were Chinese so other than one I bought for a boat trailer, I never bought more.

To clean the old grease out of the bearings, I get an empty tin can, put about an inch and a half of solvent in it and go outside. Drop the bearing in and spin it around the can edge with a stick or a pencil. Once clean by visual inspection I thoroughly wipe the bearing down and use some compressed air to blow any old grease or dirt out. DO NOT SPIN THE BEARING WITH THE AIR GUN!!! Take your time and think the process through.
I know, I know, I’ll spin my bearings if I want.” It’s a free country, I guess.
Iowa Dave

[Civilguy]

Originally Posted by Evirk

Hi folks. Getting ready to repack the wheel bearings on our Casita 17 Spirit Deluxe. 1) Do I need to replace the rear seal when I repack the bearings? Would prefer to reuse it. 2) Also, any info on what bearings, races and seals I need to buy if I find pitting? Would like to get them local like at NAPA if possible. 3) Finally, any opinions on using permatex red on outside of seal when I put it in?
Thanks
Evirk

New seals are inexpensive insurance against greasing up your brakes. Dexter seals don't require any supplemental pooky to hold them in place or seal them.

Here's a brief article about Casita axles. The article includes a link to a site where you can request your axle's build information from Dexter.

https://www.humbleandfree.com/casita-axle-replacement/

https://www.dexteraxle.com/Contact/

You don't list the year of your trailer. I think Casita has used the Dexter #10 throughout the years. The parts lists are widely available.

[Darwin Maring]

The last ti e I purchased anything from NAPA I bought a special filter for a Ford Diesel and 2 days later saw one at Walmart for half the price. Never went back and never will. Advance auto, auto advantage, Tractor Supply and Rock Auto Parts (internet) are mu go to places.

[CharlesinGA]

Its pretty much impossible to get the seals out without damaging or destroying them.

Depending on what axle capacity you have, Timken bearings can be bought in sets under special set numbers, and a fair amount of money saved. I order bearings from SummitRacing.com and you are looking at about $25 per wheel for the two bearing sets, and a seal.

Charles

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[Evirk]

Thanks folks,
As usual an abundance of great info from the good people on this forum. Special thanks to Charles for the table of bearing part numbers!