Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Greetings all,

I have the rear brake drum off the 49 Custom 8...and, as I look in, I can see the timken bearings...without any obvious seal between those bearings and the brake drum, shoes, etc. Rear brakes were replaced by previous owner. Is there or should there be a seal of some sort to hold grease in to the bearing, and not allowing it in the brake drum...or does the back side of the brake drum magically hold the grease in the axle housing...any experience or photos will be appreciate. Thanks. Michael

There is an inner seal between the bearing and differential to keep oil contained inside the case. An outer seal held in a retainer on the front side of the backing plate is supposed to contain the bearing grease.

Any oil or grease that gets past the seals is directed to a guard which is essentially an enclosed space where any captured oil can drip down and exit thru a hole at the bottom of the guard. That oil is directed to the rear side of the backing plate away from any brake components or lining.

Here is an illustration from the parts book with the position of the backing plate in the layout noted. There is a photo of the outer seal and retainer assy on ScottG's post about his 55 which has essentially the same layout and axle seal detail as your 49.

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  rear axle.jpg (141.59 KB)