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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Oil seal on front hubs

As part of my front end restoration, I purchased new oil seals from VB. What arrived were a couple plastic discs that seem about the same size as the metal pieces I removed, but different in a couple ways. The metal donuts I removed have a plastic piece inside them, but I don't see how the new one would fit inside. Are the replacement seals plastic versions of the old?

Any tricks to getting the new ones in? They seem like they would almost fit, but not quite.

And why are they called oil seals of the hub is lubed with grease, not oil?

Thanks.

--john
jf Falconer

That's a new one for me John, I usually just get the front hub seals from my local auto parts store and they've always been the steel ring with neoprene lip type inner seal type as is common on most cars. I've never seen one of the type you describe.
Bill Young

John,

What you may have is an oil seal where the steel outer ring is rubber coated which is quite common, you should be able to feel it or use a magnet. Often these can be lubricated with a bit of oil and pressed in by hand. Maybe post a picture for a better idea of what you have. Grease is oil retained in a metallic soap, often lithium but other types exist.
David Billington

John you can see a picture of the front Oil seal on the MGCC website here

http://www.mgcars.org.uk/mgcc/midgetreg/Frontwheelbearings.shtml

It is near the bottom of the article

By the way like Bill I buy mine from the local motor shop, costs just a couple of pounds about 3 dollars.
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Most likely the problem is "wrong Part" I still buy alot of stuff thur Vic brit, but the last 5 orders (about 9 months ago) I had problems with wrong parts. I even got part of someones elses order one time.

BUT my favorite, parts that are re-made, but just alittle off in some way to be a huge hassle...AKA those screws that the soft top button pushes on and off of...amazing how much 3/8" to short on the thread side can screw up your whole day....LOL

Prop
Prop***The End in 2012

Just to close the loop on this one, I called VB and they insisted it was the right part. So I mashed it in there with a 2x4 and a hammer. We'll see how it holds up.

With grease on the bearings for the first time in 5 years, it can only be an improvement.

Thanks as always for the perspectives.

--jf
jf Falconer

JF, I've had the seals you describe in mine for a few months now. So far so good. CJ
CJCharvet

This thread was discussed between 19/01/2009 and 23/01/2009

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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