Oring axle seals

[cclingma]

Just a thought. What would be wrong with having a small oring groove cut in the axle where the outter bearing rides? Then you could have a small oring sandwhiched between the axle and the outer bearing's inner race to seal out the water.

[jerseybigfoot]

It's not worth the effort. The majority of water enters when the cork seal dries out and creates a a bearing flange leak or when the bearing seal wears out. a little sealant or grease on the axle works just as well. it's also not a good Idea putting a stress point on the axle at the point where the greatest load is.

[brushcutter]

I like to put a very small strip of 3M ribbon caulk between the locking collar and the outer bearing race, where the race meets the axle. It seals that area well, doesn't promote rust like silicone does (silicone sealants contain stearic acid and causes unpainted metal to rust) Also, if you use the Ribbon Caulk between the flanges, and inner flange and tub, and you will not need to use the cork or rubber gaskets anymore, it has been my experience that they only squish out when you torque the flange bolts anyway. And yes I did say TORQUE the flange bolts.