Swivel seals sealing!

It's the same sort of stuff just different brands.

I can't believe It's not come up in conversation on here before or that I've not thought of it before. It must go a long way to preserving cvs and kingpin bearings. Front wheel bearings seem well sealed, unlike their rear counterparts!

Kirkynut

The only thing is I wouldn't do it in the summer when everything is dry and dusty or all sorts of crap will stick to the grease and much up the seals.

It's ok when everything is wet and sloppy like our Club site here - wet and sloppy barely comes close really - it was described as The Canewdon Rain Forest Challenge when they ran a round of the Mission 4x4 Winch Challenge Series there!

Kirkynut

When installing new swivel seals, there are three parts - first goes the inner smaller metal ring, then the rubber ring seal, and finally the larger outer metal ring.

Now, the question is:
Should I apply a thick coating of waterproof grease somewhere in this three-part swivel seal assembly?
Maybe between the inner metal ring and the rubber seal?
Or maybe between the outer metal ring and the rubber seal?

I replaced my swivel hub seals about 300 km ago. Since I did not know what to do precisely, I did this - on the left side I applied grease between the inner ring and the rubber seal, while on the right side I applied the grease between the outer metal ring and the rubber seal.

Unfortunately the left swivel seal has disintegrated after just 100 km of driving - part of the swivel seal lips got "jammed" between the swivel and the knuckle, and then got torn apart. I do not know the cause. Now I have to replace an expensive swivel seal, and I want to do grease it right this time, just in case.

im no expert, so check this...

i believe the jimny swivels are designed to run dry. using some waterproof grease for assembly is probably a good idea, but clean over once its fitted.

Believe the reason for your problems with them may be that dirt/dust is sticking to the greased swivel and damaging the rubber seal. Also if the swivel internals are over-packed with grease this then leaks out through the swivel seals over time, giving the same problem. I cant remember how much it takes but do remember being surprised how little went into the swivel internally.

Have seen reports of people painting the swivels with hammerite, or similar to try and keep them in good condition, therefore preserving the life of the problem seal.

Riccy.

Hi all,
Just replaced K.P bearing and seals,bit of rust evident, so sanded smooth and greased. Been giving some thought to swivel gaiters, they are available for Land Rovers, maybe some entrepreneur out their could look at this idea. Maybe replace the outer seal ring with a flange, for a gaiter to fit round, the gaiter its'self being made of breathable material, and having a zip, Velcro or some-such at the bottom, so any water that should enter could drain out.
Tuppies Friend.