Plastic gasket in Hub?

[linhster]

Rebuilding the hub…. How critical is it to required the use of the plastic gasket between the input seal and the hub? Can I just use RTV silicone instead?

 

[Lionel]

I did mine and it strikes me that this is a shim more so than a gasket. I used locktite flange sealer on them rather than high temp RTV. Its thinner and looks like what was used prior.

 

[TwoStates]

In a related matter, I used red colored Permatex Gasket Maker Anaerobic Sealant on mine yesterday when resealing the back cover on to the hub after inspecting the spindle nut. The package didn't say anything about cure time, whereas other gasket maker sealants (other than anaerobic sealants, which is what the TM calls for) call for a cure time of 24 hours before refilling with oil. After sealing them up, I immediately filled with oil and drove it after 18 hours. They all leaked, some worse than others. Anyone know if there are any tricks to sealing the hub back covers?

 

[DatGuyC]

The plastic gaskets are shims, if you dont have enough shims the upper bearings can get hot

 

[linhster]

The plastic gaskets are shims, if you dont have enough shims the upper bearings can get hot

Assuming it's more for the pressure against the loose race of the inner bearing. How would you know how much shims (thickness) to keep?

 

[Lionel]

I just kept them in the same order and on the same hub that I removed them from. The locktite flange sealer was an anaerobic sealer. I applied the sealer around the innermost mating surface, not so much on the shims. I filled the hubs the next day though, and have had no issues with leaking.

 

[DatGuyC]

I would put a shim and drive it a little to see if it the hub got hot, if it did I'd add more shims.

 

[Mike82ndABN]

manual says its a shim and to put back what you took out.

 

[Retiredwarhorses]

manual says its a shim and to put back what you took out.

correct...the procedure is in the TM, it requires a feeler gauge.
one way to tell if its too tight is to rotate the spindle after you torque the 4 bolts, it should spin freely. I have torqued them and had it tight, add a shim and its spins freely.
the book shows only 1 thickness, but I've found some very thick ones in there...
the seal plate forces the bearing cone downward, to tight and it will heat that bearing and cone and cause premature failure.
I use black RTV on everything and don't wait for setup, but I do wait 24hrs before they get wet. I don't have any leak issues...another good sealant is "the right stuff". That's all I use on valve covers.

 

[linhster]

Finally got the two rear hubs done. Here is what is looks like.

 

[Stonewall]

Looks really nice. I love the detail you are giving it.

 

[linhster]

Looks really nice. I love the detail you are giving it.

Thanks...Might have gone overboard with the details. I am sure all seasoned members are quietly laughing at my feeble efforts.