What Are Wheel Bearing Seals? new for 2022

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Many people do not know what wheel bearing seals are and how they work.

Wheel bearings are one of the most important components of a car. They allow the wheels to rotate freely and smoothly.

So What Are Wheel Bearing Seals? In this article, we’ll help you know more about it. Let’s find out together!

Contents

What Are Wheel Bearing Seals?

The wheel seal is often part of a bearing assembly for the wheel. It performs two critical roles:

The wheel bearing is lubricated with grease. As the wheel rotates, the bearings must be kept lubricated. The seal in the wheel keeps the oil inside the wheel bearing assembly.
The wheel seal keeps water, dirt, and other contaminants from entering the wheel bearing.

The wheel seal protects your wheel bearings from debris and moisture. It’s a large rubber and metal seal that is located in the hub on some vehicles. Depending on the design of the wheel bearing and hub, the wheel seal is installed either:

Directly into the hub
Onto the spindle

When changing your rear axle wheel bearings, it is always best practice to also replace the accompanying seal. Not only are seals inexpensive in comparison to other parts, but they protect against future damage too. If you think the seal may be going bad, don’t wait–replace it right away to avoid having to change the bearing as well.

When Should You Check Your Wheel Bearing Seals?

Now that we know what they are and what they do, let’s talk about when they should be checked.

As a general rule of thumb, you should check your wheel bearing seals every time you change your oil.
If you live in an area with a lot of dirt and dust, it’s a good idea to check them more often. The same goes for if you live near the beach as salt water can cause corrosion.
It’s also a good idea to check your wheel bearing seals if you notice any strange noises coming from your wheels. These could be signs that something is wrong with your bearings.
Further, after changing your tires, it’s a good practice to check the wheel bearing seals to ensure they haven’t come loose.

READ: How To Clean Trailer Bearings? Steps To Clean Trailer Wheel Bearings

Symptoms Of Bad Wheel Bearing Seal

If you’re unsure of how to tell if your wheel bearing seals are in good condition, here are three symptoms of bad ones to look out for:

Leaks

If you want to know if your wheel bearing seal is any good, one way to determine this is by looking for leaks. If grease is dripping, it means the seal has been damaged and should be replaced immediately.

Damage

The majority of the wheel-bearing seals are made of rubber. Because to heat, friction, and the elements, this rubber might deteriorate and split over time. Once they’ve been damaged, they can no longer effectively keep foreign bodies out, which may result in more significant difficulties.

Looseness

If your wheel bearing seal is loose, it’s an indication that it needs to be changed. A leaky seal might lead to contamination and ultimate destruction of your bearings.

Dirt

It’s critical to keep the soil and grass clean at all times. Grass and dirt can accumulate over time, causing issues. It’s essential to maintain them clean in order to avoid any difficulties.

How to Extend the Service Life of Wheel Bearing Seals?

Even though they are not meant to last forever, there are still ways to help your wheel bearing seals last longer:

Regularly clean them

This will aid in the removal of any dirt or debris that might be harmful.

To clean them, use a soft brush and soapy water.
Use gentle chemicals or solvents to avoid damaging the seals.
To prevent water from getting in after cleaning, allow them to dry completely.

READ: What Happens When A Wheel Bearing Goes Out?

Regularly inspect them

Check your seals regularly for any damage, leaks, or looseness. If you see any of these problems, immediately replace the seal. Also, inspect them after you change your tires or if you’ve been driving on dirty or dusty roads.

Driving in Muddy Conditions Should Be Avoided

Only drive in muddy conditions if you have to, as this can damage the seals. If you must go through mud, clean the seals afterward to remove any debris.

FAQs What Are Wheel Bearing Seals

Is it safe to drive with a leaking wheel seal?

The transmission axle seal’s primary function is to keep transmission fluid from leaking. It’s okay to drive with a weeping axle seal for a while if the leak isn’t too large, but not for very long. If you leave the leaking axle seal unattended for an extended period of time, you run the risk of causing irreversible damage to the transmission.

How much does it cost to replace a wheel seal?

The average cost of axle seal replacement is between $234 and $285, depending on your vehicle. Labor costs are expected to be between $194 and $245, while parts will set you back around $40. This price range does not include taxes or fees, and it isn’t based on your particular car or location.

How long can I drive on a bad wheel bearing?

You can travel about 1600 kilometers in cases where your wheel bearing is failing in an isolated location. It’s possible that driving this distance won’t harm your wheels much.

READ: How Often To Repack Wheel Bearings?

What happens when a wheel bearing goes bad?

When a wheel bearing fails, there is more friction on the wheel, which will cause it to wobble. A malfunctioning wheel bearing is generally accompanied by a loud noise coming from the tire or wheels of the car. It will seem like metal grinding against metal as it gets louder and faster.

Conclusion

Wheel bearings are an important part of your car and, as such, should be kept in good condition. One way to do this is by regularly replacing the wheel bearing seals. This will help keep out dirt, water, and other debris that can damage the bearings. Our team from Amortips.com hope this article bring you many useful information. If you’re not sure how to replace the seals on your own, take it to a mechanic – they’ll be happy to help!