How do I remove a sealing washer or cover plate?

Required aids

    Before you begin removing the seals of your ball bearings, you should go through the following checklist to be fully equipped:

  • Thin gloves, so fingers and bearings are protected from contamination. The gloves should be as thin that they do not interfere with the "fingertip feeling".

    Tip: Use disposable gloves

  • A pad to protect against dirt

    Tip: Use a large piece of cardboard, an old writing pad or plastic placemats

    Never use a soiled surface. The workplace must be clean!

  • The best possible illumination of your workstation to detect soiling

    Tip: If daylight is not enough, you can align a desk lamp with your desk.

  • Paper towel, a cloth or a brush for the rough outer cleaning of the bearing
  • A pointed object to remove the sealing or cover plates, which ensures the most gentle removal possible

    Tip: Use an object that is very flat at the tip for a good bearing surface: We recommend using a slender flat-head screwdriver

Aids for removing a ball bearing seal
Instructions for removing a sealing washer and cover plates

  1. Please note that Z plates cannot be removed without being damaged. It is unlikely that the seal can be reused after removal.

    Damaged Z-seal
  2. If the bearing is already dirty, gently wipe it with a non-fibrous cloth or brush from outside before removing the seal to prevent dirt from entering when the seal is removed. Tips for cleaning can be found here.

    Under no circumstances exert pressure, but clean the bearing gently. Otherwise, dirt particles could penetrate from the outside into the bearing interior.

    Clean ball bearing with cloth
    1. Now take up the ball bearing and put the tool between the inner ring and the seal.
    2. Carefully guide the tool under the seal.

      Do not push your tool too far under the seal, otherwise you could hit one of the balls and damage it.

    3. Now remove the seal with a gentle lever movement.