[Closed] Best way to remove cartridge bearing seals?

Flick em out with a scalpel or a pick. I usually slip the point just under the inside edge of the seal and proing it out. Gently Bentley...

Practice on a knackered bearing if you're concerned.

I use a Stanley blade from the inner side. Just have to angle it so the sharp edge is slightly towards the metal and away from the rubber. They pop out pretty easily.

It can vary depending on the bearing. A snap ring seal will need that ring removing first. Otherwise, I gently prise the inner race with a fine blade, life a craft scalpel or a really fine seal pick. Be careful not to deform the seal. They typically have a metal backing to them and if that gets distorted you'll struggle to get a good seal when it goes back.

I got a cheap set of picks from eBay, they look a lot like what dentists use.

Great, thanks everyone

As suggested, use a fine instrument to gently raise the inner edge of the seal. The metal backing to the seal is easily deformed so don't be in a hurry. One you get a start on the inner edge don't be tempted to flick to seal out straight away. Work round and free off the inner edge. Once the inner edge is clear push the pick a wee bit further in & release the outer edge. Once you have the seal out be careful how you handle the thing. The metal backing is generally pretty thin & deforms easily. If the seal gets bent or kinked flatten it back out before you replace it.

Timely. Anyone have a spare Hope BB bearing seal? 🙂

Stanley knife tip here.

Question, the inner seal edge is doing work while the bearing spins but the outer edge of the seal doesn't deal with something spinning around it so why not lift the outer edge where any damage won't pull contaminants in.
I usually use a needle.

Question, the inner seal edge is doing work while the bearing spins but the outer edge of the seal doesn’t deal with something spinning around it so why not lift the outer edge where any damage won’t pull contaminants in.
I usually use a needle.

Personally I find it more difficult to get the outer edge of the seal to lift without deforming the seal. I'm not a massive fan of removing seals because as you've pointed out the seals can get damaged in the process. However, needs must & for example the upper link on my SC has no grease nipples unlike the bottom one. Removing the link & removing the bearing seals is the only way to get fresh grease inside. I've found the inner edge the easiest & most consistent method.

why not lift the outer edge where any damage won’t pull contaminants in.

Because you invariably end up bending it.

I read a long time ago that you should always remove the seal at the outer edge. I use a Stanley knife and do it slowly, sometimes I will only get a little edge lifted so then need to hold the edge with something else and use something like a needle to tease it out

I remove them with the tip of a stanley blade at the outer edges, because I don't want to risk damaging the seal where it rotates against the inner race.

It's easy enough to do prior to the bearing being installed and harder to do once they're installed, especially if it's recessed.