Permatex on grease seals?

**Deb Mac** · 06-04-2023, 10:20 AM

Going to be reassembling the brakes next week once everything has arrived and I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation about using the Permatex Red High temp sealant on the OD of their grease seals. And those that do use it, exactly how are you applying it? Very thin film, let it set about 5 minutes or thereabouts, then set the seals in place?

Dexter and Lippert both say to use it (thin film) unless the seals have a rubber coating.

I have done some checking, and a lot (most) threads I come up with say they don't use it. Possibly because they have found it too hard to remove the seals when changing them out, and those that don't have an issue weren't commenting. You generally hear more from folks who have a complaint than those that don't.

I know mine were a real bear to get out (the fact that they are the original seals - everything around those wheels was original - probably didn't help). But since you don't re-use them anyway, the fact they looked a bit like an old chew toy wasn't an issue for me. I am inclined to go with what Dexter & Lippert tell you to do - I am using Lippert seals. My feeling is that it is a belt and suspenders kind of thing. And I have no problem with that. The fact that it will make it harder to get them out doesn't bother me. The amount of traveling I do will entail just pulling and inspecting the bearings once every couple of years, maybe even less often than that. I can take a look at the rear bearing when I pull the drum to check brakes, which I do every year, and the front bearing will come out with the drum, so...

Comments?

Wavery · 06-06-2023, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deb Mac

Going to be reassembling the brakes next week once everything has arrived and I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation about using the Permatex Red High temp sealant on the OD of their grease seals. And those that do use it, exactly how are you applying it? Very thin film, let it set about 5 minutes or thereabouts, then set the seals in place?

Dexter and Lippert both say to use it (thin film) unless the seals have a rubber coating.

I have done some checking, and a lot (most) threads I come up with say they don't use it. Possibly because they have found it too hard to remove the seals when changing them out, and those that don't have an issue weren't commenting. You generally hear more from folks who have a complaint than those that don't.

I know mine were a real bear to get out (the fact that they are the original seals - everything around those wheels was original - probably didn't help). But since you don't re-use them anyway, the fact they looked a bit like an old chew toy wasn't an issue for me. I am inclined to go with what Dexter & Lippert tell you to do - I am using Lippert seals. My feeling is that it is a belt and suspenders kind of thing. And I have no problem with that. The fact that it will make it harder to get them out doesn't bother me. The amount of traveling I do will entail just pulling and inspecting the bearings once every couple of years, maybe even less often than that. I can take a look at the rear bearing when I pull the drum to check brakes, which I do every year, and the front bearing will come out with the drum, so...

Comments?

I change the seals every time that I pull the drum (no matter what). I just put my seals in with a very thin coat of grease. Mainly to make it easier to set them.

These types of seal pullers are a must. Makes the job easy.
https://www.amazon.com/DURATECH-Pull...s%2C188&sr=8-8

If you are going to replace your bearings, it's imperative that you replace the races as well. This set makes that job easy.
https://www.harborfreight.com/bearin...ece-63261.html

**ShrimpBurrito** · 06-06-2023, 05:43 PM

I don't use grease on the seals -- I just very lightly tap them into the hub to get them evenly seated, then put a board over the seal, and then hit the board to press in the seal.

I ditto Wayne's recommendation on the seal puller and bearing race driver set. The bearing race driver set is particularly glorious if you've ever driven out a race with a punch of screwdriver (which often mars the inside of the hub). It makes driving it out a 30-second job.

Using the seal puller is a 5-second job, but, like Wayne, I also replace my seals every time I remove one. The seal puller makes sure of that too, as it destroys the seal.

And while I'm not a fan of alot of stuff at Harbor Freight, I got these 2 tools there years ago and they work great.

Dave

**Deb Mac** · 06-06-2023, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wavery

I change the seals every time that I pull the drum (no matter what). I just put my seals in with a very thin coat of grease. Mainly to make it easier to set them.

These types of seal pullers are a must. Makes the job easy.
https://www.amazon.com/DURATECH-Pull...s%2C188&sr=8-8

If you are going to replace your bearings, it's imperative that you replace the races as well. This set makes that job easy.
https://www.harborfreight.com/bearin...ece-63261.html

Thanks. I realize that. Didn't have the seal puller or seal/cup seating tool - they are on my list for "things to have".

If I replace the hubs, they will be coming with new bearing and races, either pre-installed or in the package. If I reuse the hubs I have now, I have removed the bearings, cleaned and examined them and they are in excellent condition, so I would reuse them - in the same hub they came out of so the races will match their respective bearings. Seals always need to be replaced anyway. I am just wondering how many folks follow Dexter's instructions regarding using Permatex on the grease seal before installing. If it is a rubber coated edge on the seal, it isn't needed, but many folks don't use it either way. Looking for recommendations.

FlyboyTR · 06-14-2023, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deb Mac

Thanks. I realize that. Didn't have the seal puller or seal/cup seating tool - they are on my list for "things to have".

If I replace the hubs, they will be coming with new bearing and races, either pre-installed or in the package. If I reuse the hubs I have now, I have removed the bearings, cleaned and examined them and they are in excellent condition, so I would reuse them - in the same hub they came out of so the races will match their respective bearings. Seals always need to be replaced anyway. I am just wondering how many folks follow Dexter's instructions regarding using Permatex on the grease seal before installing. If it is a rubber coated edge on the seal, it isn't needed, but many folks don't use it either way. Looking for recommendations.

I have never used any type of adhesive/sealant on standard grease seals. If the seal is the correct size and properly installed, it should never move. I just wipe excess grease off the hub and install the seal. I do wipe a light coat of grease on the seal lips. This keeps them from sticking on initial install and use.

**Deb Mac** · 06-14-2023, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyboyTR

I have never used any type of adhesive/sealant on standard grease seals. If the seal is the correct size and properly installed, it should never move. I just wipe excess grease off the hub and install the seal. I do wipe a light coat of grease on the seal lips. This keeps them from sticking on initial install and use.

Sounds like most folks don’t use the Permatex, even though Dexter says to apply it unless the seals have a rubber coating. I have decided to replace the entire drum/hub assembly, & everything is already assembled. I’ll revisit the question when it comes time to recheck the bearings.