GN hub inner bearing lip seal removal

[buick8791]

Hi,

How you remove the seal in question? Some instructions say, that you can pry the seal out with screw driver. I hadn´t luck. It seems to be very tight.

I have the bearing service going on.

Thanks,

buick8791

[Blue Bowtie]

For front wheel/hub bearings it has been a long-standing practice to remove the axle nut and outer bearing, reinstall the nut only, and slide the hub outward sharply. This allows the axle nut to catch the inner bearing while the kinetics of the hub force it to remove the bearing and seal from the hub without damaging anything.

[buick8791]

Thank you!

I don´t renew the bearing, so the method you told don´t damage the bearing, only being sure(I am stupid, sorry). An other question, can I use brake cleaning stuff to remove the old grease from bearings without damaging the plastic part?

[Blue Bowtie]

A Buick GN (rear wheel drive) uses opposed tapered roller bearings in the front hubs. The inner races of those bearings are sufficiently robust to allow removal in the manner described, ans without damaging the bearings themselves.

Those bearings can be cleaned in moderate solvent to remove the old grease, and repacked for continued use. It is common to service wheel bearings in this manner and install a new inner seal on a 30-50,000 miles schedule.

However, since brake cleaning solvents often use more harsh (chlorinated) solvents, it may be safer to use kerosene (diesel fuel) for cleaning if the bearing has roller cages made of plastic instead of steel.

[buick8791]

Thanks again Blue Bowtie!

Yes, I had a plan to renew the inner seals anyway. Have to purchase some diesel fuel to clean the bearings.

How about bushing in the new seals, with fingers or do I need some stronger methods?

[buick8791]

And an further question, only nut without washer to pull out the bearing and seal? Sorry...

[Blue Bowtie]

You'll have to use the nut only, since the keyed washer is unlikely to fit past the outboard roller bearing race.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nS0evsALHgU

[buick8791]

Thanks again Blue Bowtie!

Of course, I did not think that. But as I have asked too, how to install new lip seal: with the fingers only or do I need some some stronger methods?

Thanks again!

[Blue Bowtie]

Tap it into place with a lightweight mallet.

[buick8791]

Hi Blue Bowtie!

Now I have very good information for front hub gear service told by you! Thank you very much!!

Best Regards,

Buick8791