Front bearing with rubber seal

[forjer]

Just wondering if anyone has had any adverse effects from running a front bearing with a rubber seal instead of the standard single shield version? I know a rubber seal creates a bit more drag / heat when cold, but does loosen up at operating temp.

[Raptor30_V1]

Hello Forjer,

I trust in the rubber-seal (cage) - instead completely dislike the metal cage.

The reason why is pretty simple, when a metal cage starts to get in pieces, the liner and other parts won't like that .. meanwhile a rubber-seal cage is no problem at all..

Have no clou why OS changed the rubber-seal on the OS-50 Hyper to go for a metal cage on the OS-55? Maybe because most manufacturers (not only in this hobby) earn a lot more by spare parts sales than by the product itself?

Unbeaten price performance are the stainless-steel (SS) replacement bearing from rc-bearings (USD 12.-), no metal-cage or even hybrid-bearings (vibrations and nitro-engines are no good friends).

The last 2 decades the real progress came from ever new materials and what looks rubber or plastic is just high-tech (heat-, acid-resistance etc.).

Best Regards,
Oliver

[kenh]

Oliver, I may be wrong.... I thing the reference is to the outer seal, not the ball cage???

Yes the rubber seal will cause a tiny bit more drag, but I've used them before. IMO you should remove the inner seal so the bearing can get lubrication. I would also clean the grease out and lube with your oil of choice after installation in the engine.

[forjer]

Thanks for the responses guys. My question was indeed in reference to the seal (not cage) and to the front bearing. I will definitely be sure to remove the inner seal of the front bearing. The stainless rc-bearings bearing (with no seals or shields) is the rear bearing that I'll be using. However, I found a bearing with 2 seals laying around that I'd like to use for the front.

Thanks again.

[Raptor30_V1]

Hello,

Yes, I definetly misunderstood the question - I'm sorry

Thank you all for clarifying,
Have a nice week-end and great flying,

Oliver

[RC-Bearings]

A good double sealed front bearing should be installed with both seals intact. Most are filled with a high quality grease that will last the life of the engine.