7" axle seal installed too deep?

[sturoc]

Just did the swap from Surge to Dexter Elect brakes 7" drum - 2k axle

When I pulled the drum/hub off the inner seals were shot -falling apart

Spindle and bearings were in very good shape though.
So reinstalling new bearings / seal I could not find a definitive answer
How far does the seal go in ?
I tapped mine in til it stopped at the race but the rubber was tight against the bearing which caused me to think 'err ahh this aint right, I think i went too far '
One video how to shows tapping a seal in pretty far saying 'it holds the bearing in place', but another video showed keeping it flush to the outside edge
So which is it ?

Also of note the drum does not completely go over the edge of the backing plate so am concerned dirt and water could get in there

[Cincinnati Kid]

All the videos I've seen stop when it's flush with the surface. That's how mine were from the factory.

[SmokerBill]

It should only be pressed in / tapped in until flush.

Insert Inner Bearing and Seal:

Turn the hub over so that the front side with the wheel studs faces down on the table.
Place the inner bearing in the hub and install the seal on top.
Tap the seal in a circular motion until it sits flush.
Next, apply a thin layer of grease to the spindle.
Then slide on the hub.
Be sure the seal is set in the proper position on the spindle.

https://www.etrailer.com/faq-wheelbe...the%20spindle.

[Marcm157]

Tapped until flush is correct...

[Jagiven]

Tapped in until flush, I use a 2x4 across the seal to make sure it sits down nice and flush, with no damage.

[sturoc]

Thanks for the replies on the right way to do it.

Hopefully i can get it out by tapping the inner bearing out moving the seal back out to remove and reinstall correctly.

If I use a wood dowl or similar how much risk of damaging the bearing or seal doing it the above way ?

[SmokerBill]

You'd most likely damage the seals trying to push them back out, either damaging the rubber or bending the thin sheet metal housing.

[Marcm157]

Originally Posted by sturoc

Thanks for the replies on the right way to do it.

Hopefully i can get it out by tapping the inner bearing out moving the seal back out to remove and reinstall correctly.

If I use a wood dowl or similar how much risk of damaging the bearing or seal doing it the above way ?

With the cost of seals being relatively inexpensive, I would just purchase new ones. The chances of you getting the ones you already installed out without damage is very slim...