wheel bearing seal installation orientation

[jdsalinger]

Newbie question. I am repacking the front wheel bearings on my 1993 toyota 4runner 2WD.

When I removed the inner wheel bearing and seal I didn't pay attention to the orientation. The factory service manual isn't any help.

Both sides of the seal have a rubber lip, but one side of the lip also has a coil "garter" spring. In my research I found out that the spring goes on the side that you want to keep something in or out. In an engine the spring goes on the oil side. On a wheel bearing is the seal trying to keep water out or keep the grease in both?

Should the lip with the spring go towards the truck or towards the bearing?

Thanks.

 

[raboyto2]

You want to place the spring facing the bearing

 

[dkdnt232]

You want to place the spring facing the bearing

I agree, the spring goes to the inside (bearing side)

 

[jdsalinger]

I called Timken Bearing customer support and they also said that the coil spring side goes towards the bearing.

Thanks for the quick reply.