Wheel Seals

[RallySnake]

I am repacking my front wheel bearings and cannot find the right wheel seals. My Arntz uses MGB spindles and 1970 Chevy Monte Carlo rotors. I tried Chevy wheel seals, but the inside diameter is too small to fit over the MGB spacer.

I tried MGB seals, but the outside diameter is too large to press into the rotors. The ones I took out fit fine (but the rubber is torn). Does anyone know what type they are?

RS

[joyridin']

You may want to go to somebody's web site like SKF or Federal and look up the seals. If you are lucky, they will give you dimensions and you can just measure and go from there. Start with the model car the rotor came from and go from there.

[ERA Chas]

^^^Plus, try Camaro applications of the same year.

[RallySnake]

Thank you guys!

I tried the SKF website and could not find a seal with 2.3437" (2 11/32) outside diameter and 1.875" (1 7/8) inside diameter, so that's why I turned to you for help. I may have to call Ron Butler.

One other option is to talk my way into an auto parts store's back room and search for them. That could take hours, though.

RS

[Outwest34au]

What is the NOK or any other numbers on the seal please?
Seals generally aren't all that hard to match.

The NOK website has heaps of info and listings too.

[RallySnake]

I didn't notice any numbers on the old seal, but I will look when I get home.

Thanks!
RS

[RallySnake]

Outwest,

I could not find a number on the old seals. I suspect that this is an obsolete part. I called Ron Butler and he went through all his seals and did not find any of this size. That basically means I have been running the wrong rotors for 26 years!

I think I'll go over to my friend's machine shop tomorrow and put the rotors on a lathe and open them up 1/16" to fit the MGB seals. Maybe I can remove a little excess weight too. I do appreciate everyone's help and suggestions though.

Paul

[RallySnake]

After 5 different parts stores, I went to Carquest Auto Parts. Their Monte Carlo seals are made by National and are labeled "Moog". They have a thinner metal ring and fit just fine. YEAH!

[bill37341]

Glad to see you solved your problem. I also used MG/Monte Carlo setup, but the rotors were from a '72 Monte Carlo- make any difference? Bill.

[RallySnake]

Bill,

In speaking with Ron Butler, I learned that there are a number of different rotors and wheel seal sizes for these years. The critical factor is the wdith between the inner and outer bearings. The rotor has to be one with a 3/4 inch lip on the outside. Then, you have to have a machine shop machine the inside of the rotor to move the inner bearing 1/4 inch outwards so that it will fit on the MGB spindle. He did that for me in 1985.

Over the years, the manufacturing of the wheel seals has changed. Many manufacturers make the metal part wider and the rubber part narrower (probably saves cost). These will not fit over the MBG spindle spacer. You have to look for the National brand made to the original specs.

I am getting the car ready for the Midnite Run Rally on November 9. We will be in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night for 10 hours. I really do not want anything to break!

For info about the rally: ITNrally.org

RS

[Outwest34au]

Good fix RS.
There's always something somewhere that will fit, just needs some good detective work to find it generally.

[RallySnake]

My next quest is to find a really good ski cap to fit our heads. It's going to get cold up in the mountains at night. Gotta keep the ears warm. I've been looking at the Columbia Thermerator. Any of you cold weather guys have a suggestion?

RS