Looking for Grease Seal with 1.87 ID and 2.5 Inch OD for MHU Axle

Question:

I have a spindle diameter of 1.87 inches and a seal OD of ~2.5 inches. Everything seems to lead me to the 10-40 seal but that one has an ID of 1.938. Will this work on my spindle? It is a MHU axle. Thanks!

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

The difference between the ID of the seal and the diameter of the seal riding surface on your spindle, although a VERY small amount, is large enough so the seal will not be compatible. This assumes that the 1.87 inch diameter of the spindle you had was measured with a digital caliper.

MHU (Mobile Home Utility) axles are typically not DOT approved and are only meant for one-time use. Many enterprising folks used these axles to make trailers, which usually works pretty well until the time comes to start replacing axle components. Because the axle was meant for one-time use, replacement parts are usually pretty scarce. The 10-40 and the plastic 10-41 seal which both have the 1.938 ID and the 2.510 OD are the only seals I can find referenced as a fit for the MHU axle.

I would recommend reviewing that measurement you took from the spindle, making sure you took it from portion of the spindle that the ID of the grease seal rides on.

expert reply by: Mike L