Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi. I am attempting to replace my n/s rear hub seal on a 1968 2 door saloon. The problem I have is that the seal will not fit. There is a slight shoulder in the recess the seal should go and this is preventing the seal from going in.
Initially I thought I had been sent the wrong seal and discussed it with my supplier. After various conversations I sourced a seal from a different supplier who uses different seals. Same problem.
Looking carefully at the hub it almost seems as if a sleeve might have been let in to allow for a seal with a slightly smaller outside diameter. Is this likely? Did BMC have a seal shortage at any time which might have led to this modification or have I just not hit the seal hard enough?
I have tried brake fluid as a lubricant but it makes no difference.

I had the same issue with my 1954 series 2 thirty years ago and ended up changing the hubs (I suppose an early BMC axle might, just might not have been standardised by then) but this is causing me a problem.

I have not taken accurate measurements.

Advice?

P

Take measurements! Compare with the old seal ? It should obviously be a good tight fit.... Make sure it is 'square' as you force it in -perhaps with a vice.

It's larger than the old seal. Both suppliers say they have not had previous problems. Beginning to think I may have to use a different hub. Anyone got one?

Very odd.... I know some fit a sleeve over the axle where the seal has worn a groove in the casing = but can't see any reason to fit a sleeve in the hub... Hang on - are you SURE there isn't the remains of an old seal left behind stuck in the hub? I think someone had that before! Prise carefully......I think there is a metal outer rim from an old bearing stuck in there.......

Thank you! I wondered if there was a lining in the hub and a colleague yesterday conformed your opinion. There was a metal lining from the old seal still there. The rest of the seal came out easily and it's not a job I'd done before. I had presumed (bad mistake) that the seal would com out easily - which it did - but it had obviously separated. It's out - with some considerable difficulty - and the wheel is back on. Thank you for your help!

Well done !