Front bearings - grease seals

[Scott S]

Hi All -
I am trying to get prepared for when my new front rotors arrive. While inspecting the old ones I could not figure out how to remove the inner grease seal. On the 1976 rotors I had they simply pressed on/off. On my 72 they are more internal. I cant get them to budge and the Haynes manual isn't much help. Anyone have any experience with early (pre '73) front rotors? Thanks a million -
Scott S

[HMeeder]

Scott:

I replaced my seals and bearings about a month ago. I too don't have access to the right kinds of tools so I made do. I turned them back side down. If you feel around the inside of the rotor (stick your finger deep in the grease and run your finger around until you find a groove. There is a matching groove opposite that one.) By placing a flat headed punch against the grease seal and in the groove you can tap the seal out. Just alternate from one side to the other and be methodical about it and you should get it. Careful with the punch so you don't nick the inside walls.

BTW If you are getting new rotors, why not get new seals (and bearings) and forego removing the old ones? They are not very expensive at all and if you are going to the expense of replacing the rotors, I would suggest doing it the rest of the way.

IMHO the only way to go.

Motor on!

------------------
Herb

[Scott S]

Hi Herb-
I am replacing the bearings/seals with new. I was just trying to make sure I know how it all goes together by taking an old one apart. Thanks for the insight - I'll give it a try!
Scott S

[HMeeder]

Scott:

Of course. After I wrote my post it ocurred to me that you would be pulling them apart for your own knowledge. I would have done the same.

It occurs to me after reading it again, that you were talking about the seal, and I gave you my experience with the bearings. If I remember right it is very difficult to get a hold of the seal. I believe I used a flat screwdriver (I used an old one and ground the blade to almost knife sharpness.) That allowed me to separate the seal where it meets the rotor. When all was said and done, I think I destroyed the thing to get it out.

Good Luck

------------------
Herb

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I either used a large "mandrel", or a big socket on an extension. Either way, the thing was large enough to contact the seal all the way around. A couple of good taps with a hammer, and it was out. As I recall, when I used a punch or something that didn't fit quite all the way, the seal came partway out and then would just flip over and over, and I couldn't get it the rest of the way out.

So I went back and used the socket or whatever it was again.

--DD