What is Difference Between Single and Double Lip Grease Seal

Question:

My trailer seal uses a 171255UC. I needed a seal and Napa sold me a 17146 . I currently have 2 spares . Im replacing my bearings again and I finding out the Napa seal was a single seal and would like to replace it with the double seal or is the Napa seal good . Im seeing the RG06-050 and 58846 are double seal. What the difference and what would be the best for my boat trailer. I also have upgraded the inner and outer bearing to the L44649 VP and L68149 VP. What would be the correct races as I see there 2 that might work.

asked by: Rick A

Expert Reply:

Hey Rick, so the double lip seal replacement for what you have now would be the # 58846. Double lip seals have an additional edge on them and at one point were only option that had a rubber spring that ran around the lip to hold it tighter to the spindle to prevent water from getting it. The main application for them back in the day was boat trailers where the wheels get submerged but can be used basically for all applications.

If your trailer wasn't a boat trailer though you'd be fine with a single lip though.

expert reply by: Jameson C