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Just replaced the two front hub oil seals. Hub was spinning freely on the spindle like a roulette wheel before I split for painting. Would the fitment of new seals cause tightness on the hub spindle ? Thanks

mr mugello wrote:Just replaced the two front hub oil seals. Hub was spinning freely on the spindle like a roulette wheel before I split for painting. Would the fitment of new seals cause tightness on the hub spindle ? Thanks

If that is the only change, then 'Yes'

They seal by rubbing & must never be fitted 'dry' as they rely entirely upon lubrication to run in & hence do the sealing of the hub contents (grease)

You could try copious amounts of penetrating oil (or GT85) to increase the lubricity in the area of the lips which would do no harm.

Just thinking back. The seals don't come in contact with the spindle, metal spacers fitted in the centres. Fresh grease packed around bearings might be simply causing problem of stiffness.

mr mugello wrote:Just thinking back. The seals don't come in contact with the spindle, metal spacers fitted in the centres. Fresh grease packed around bearings might be simply causing problem of stiffness.

The seals rub on collars (or top-hat collars) as you say, but they will still make the wheel stiff to turn, regardless of not rubbing on the actual spindle. The collars do no turn as they are fixed with the spindle, whereas the seals rotate with the hub.

Yes sorry. I realise the top hat outside collar is clamped up with spindle. Is it also possible you can punch the inside seal in too much which will push the bearing in further causing it to rub pressure on the long central spacer ?

mr mugello wrote:Yes sorry. I realise the top hat outside collar is clamped up with spindle. Is it also possible you can punch the inside seal in too much which will push the bearing in further causing it to rub pressure on the long central spacer ?

You shouldn't be able to as there are abutment faces to which the seals are fitted up to.

Time for a hub strip, I reckon, presuming it's not the speedo drive

If you've just had the hub painted, check the backplate isn't rubbing in the rebate on the hub. Try slackening the inner axle nuts and see if the hub spins free.

Will give it a try. Thanks.