I had one bad bearing so I am replacing both hub assemblies...along with sway bar end links, rotors and pads.
When I took the hub off, the excluder seal (I think that is it after hours of searching online) is shot on one side and not that great on the other. they are seized in the knuckle. All the schematics I've looked at are pretty poor and after reviewing online, it seems like many people with explorers or rangers don't replace.

Looking at the timken sealed hub assembly, I don't see this seal doing much since the hub goes flush against the knuckle and the end of the CV joint is sealed nice and tight.

Do I need to go through the pain of dropping the half shaft to install these things? My buddy says don't bother, pack with grease and move on.

thoughts on black RTV?
just grease?
replace?
I don't offroad and don't really drive it in the winter.

thanks,
Doc
rsylvstr@gmail.com

 

Doc,

I have the exact same model and year F150 and I left them out due to lack of parts when I installed my lift kit, I have since had it in snow, mud (frame deep) and water over the axels, with no evidence of harm. Only time will tell but I suspect they are there to act as a layered approach to protection of the bearings. In normal use I would suspect that it should not be an issue at all.

cheers

Ken Morgan
0481

 

Thanks brother. I put it back together since this site was slow. GTG.

 

still GTG...at least I think so LOL