Bearing Question

[nrody]

Ok I know if I search enough I will find the answer but to keep my impatience at bay I will ask before I search.

I just picked up my third axle and I think I have the correct size at last. Pray for me!
The brake hubs, drums, and axle all came seperate (not attached to each other). I successfully attached the brake hub assembly to the axle after searching for the correct size class 8 nuts that were not included.

My question is about the bearings. they just slip into the race easily. When I research how to install bearings they are tapped into place. I know the seals are tapped in. How do I know how far to tap the seal in? How do I know if this is correct. And yes I do have grease to pack the bearings.

Any help is appreciated so very much.

[bobhenry]

The only part of the bearing that gets "tapped" is the bearing race. The bearing itsself should never be struck. The seal will bottom out almost even with the hub but is actually stopped by the race. As long as the seal is almost flush it will serve just fine. Clean the bearings completely and do not mix greases some are not compatible.

[nrody]

Thank you. I am a bit intimidated because this is the first time I will be putting everything together and I dont want to be rolling down the highway and have the wheels fall off!
The whole assembly is new, no grease on anything yet. Just picked up some grease the other day at Wally World. I will do my best and ask more questions if I get confused.
Really appreciate your help.

[nevadatear]

I asked my husband the machinist (randy) who removes and puts in bearings all day long on farm equipment and other machinery that no one can afford to replace, so he keeps fixing, and says what bobhenry says is right on.