Repacking the front wheel bearings on my 89 XJ6, I have a question for you fine folks.

The inner wheel seal was stuck to the spindle, and came out of the hub when I removed it with the bearings. I've repacked many bearings over the years, and never ran into this, typically the seal rotates with the hub and bearings, on the spindle. It was this way on both sides.

The new seal seems to do the same thing. Even though I put plenty of grease on the seal lips, it's really tight on the spindle. Is this the way they're supposed to be? Any thoughts? One of the new seals I used was a genuine Jaguar part, the other a Beck-Arnley, both of which matched up perfectly.

I'd sure appreciate any input, am I missing something?

Thanks!
-Russ

 

I had the same issue/problem/confusion on my X300....which I believe is the same spindle and seal set up as your XJ40

After frustration and then asking around I learned that the seal is indeed designed to be installed onto the spindle and then the hub/rotor assembly is installed and pushed over the seal.

Getting the seal onto the spindle was a real chore. I ruined several seals @ $16 each

A fellow Jag lover shared a tip: buy a piece of PCV pipe (3 inch as I recall...but I'm foggy on that) pipe and use it to drive the seal onto the spindle. Big help but (cutting a long story short) I still had to carefully shave the inside diameter of the seal to allow the seal to be driven cleanly onto the spindle.

After that experience I vowed to never replace the seals again unless there was absolutely no choice

Others will chime in

Cheers
DD

 

Doug, I appreciate the clarification. I've never before seen a seal that was made to stay stationary with the spindle, and rotate on the hub/housing. It's taken what should've been a couple hour job, and turned it into a multi-day headache!
-Russ

 

Thanks for bringing this up. Ive been considering repacking although its only time that is making me want to. Ill bear it in mind.

 

Russ,

I know Doug had a terrible time with the seals, but I replaced the front wheel bearings and seals on both of our XJ40s and had no trouble at all with the seals. Maybe I got lucky or Doug got unlucky with the replacement seals.

The method I used was to put a thin layer of grease on the entire stub axle, install the seal in the hub, then used the hub itself to work the seal onto the stub axle. Worked with very little effort. The gently-stepped design of the stub axle helps guide the seal onto the larger-diameter section of the stub.

Below are links to photos of the bearing job on our '93:

Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page
Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page
Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page
Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page

Cheers,

Don

 

Thanks Don and Doug. I did get the job done, however I ended putting the seals on the spindle first, and then installed the hub and bearings, worked them around until it felt like the seal seated.

Don, my spindle actually is "stepped" with a sharp edge, not like a typical spindle that is ramped up to the seat. I've never seen one like this before.

Now off to figure out a vacuum booster for the brakes. Also noticed that the upper control arm bushings are worn .