1960 rear axle seals

[DKMNC]

I'm replacing the rear axle seals on my 1960 series 6239.  The replacement seals come with rubber O rings as well as the typical metal ring holding a rubber seal that is pressed into a casing.  I see where the O ring goes around the bearing casing, but I can't figure out where the other seal goes.  Videos online don't show it being used on my car.  Does it not apply to a '60 6239?  thnx!

[Roger Zimmermann]

A picture would help! Anyway, years ago, I used to buy  those bearings and a thin seal was together. I still have them, they are just a waste. What is their purpose? I don't know.

[dn010]

Keep in mind many of these parts are not limited to your exact vehicle so while the O-ring might apply to your car, the seal and o-ring both might apply to something else. From what I understand, these wheel seal kit fit Buicks & Cadillacs from 56-69 so there are plenty of combinations possible.

[Caddylackn]

If I remember correctly when I changed mine 30 years ago, that the wheel bearing had to be removed from the axle shaft in order to get the new seal on, then the bearing pressed back on.  I remember the machine shop was impressed with the size and heft of the axle, he thought it was off a one ton or larger truck.

[oregonjam]

I see where the O ring goes around the bearing casing, but I can't figure out where the other seal goes.

Did you figure this out. I am at the same point.

[Caddyholic]

If the bearing is leaking you have to replace the bearing It is a sealed bearing with a o ring on the outside that seals against  the axel housing. the original bearing were sealed on the outside only they changed them in the mid sixties to sealed on both sides

[oregonjam]

Thank you that is very helpful. I am not able to tell if it is leaking through the bearing or the O-ring. Now that you say the news seals are sealed on both sides I will just replace them. Mine appear to be original bearings.

Any recommendation on bearing brands to avoid or look for? The Pinion has a Timken number so Ill pull the wheel bearing. If there is a Timken Number on the bearing I will try to order one from a bearing supplier. The Cadillac suppliers have them priced very high.

Thank you for you assistance.

[dn010]

It is unlikely it would be leaking from the o-ring, and is more likely leaking through the bearing instead. These are just 509 bearings. When I did mine, it is difficult to find good bearings these days so I typed "Wheel Bearing 509" into ebay and found a NOS Bower/BCA bearing with retainer for $20. You can even put NOS after the 509 in your search to see what you get. If you don't need one right away, wait until you find one on there within your price range. Whatever you get, just make sure it comes with the retainer ring since you will be destroying yours to remove the bearing. I would stay away from brand new "name brand" bearings on ebay from random sellers, counterfeit products are a worry. The NOS BCA bearing has been installed for two years now, problem free.