OmarR

iTrader: (12)

I got front wheel bearings pressed today. I noticed the plastic seal on the bearing is facing outwards on one knuckle and inwards on another. From the factory, the plastic seal is facing away from the car. Does it make a difference that one knuckle has the bearing the other way around.

Pics to what I'm referring to:

plastic side of bearing faces towards car



plastic side of bearing faces away from car

Pullig

According to the manual it does matter. Plastic side out. One side is a 2 piece bearing the other is a 1 piece

sweesiong78

yep bring it back and make them press it out and back in the correct way plastic side away from the car.

OmarR

iTrader: (12)

Will the bearing be damaged if it's pressed out and back in again?

sweesiong78

it should not if they use a hydraulic press and the right sized bearing driver. it if was already on the axle than the inner race would come out but the knuckle has not been installed yet right?

OmarR

iTrader: (12)

Correct, I haven't installed the knuckle, was going to today but this holds back my plans.

Also, do you know the reason why the seal should face outwards? I'd like to have a clear reason for the bearing to be flipped around so the shop guy can't say something like it doesn't matter which way the bearing faces.

sweesiong78

looking at the diagram both races are symmetrical so it MAY not matter, I read somewhere that the reason why they have a rubber side is just that during manufacture the assemble it from the metal seal side up, and then press the rubber seal into place.

I suppose you could insist to your mechanic that that's the way the service manual says it should be put on and then hope he is not too stubborn/grouchy....but I guess it depends how soon you need the knuckle on your car as well.