Very old trailer grease seal question

[nutpantz]

I inherited a old 1975 camping trailer from my dad. I've been using it on very short trips over the last few years.this week I decided to do the wheel bearings and seals.
As I got everything apart I looked at the grease seals and they look like nothing I have seen before.
Long story short after hunting down some one who told me these seals were common in the 50's and used with felt I have no way of replacing the grease seals.(manufacturer suggests I replace the axles)
(My seal has rubber and will be completely destroyed when I peel it from the drum)
Has anyone MacGyvered one of these seals back into service good for a 1000 mile trip?
(I really don't have the funds for a set of new axles this year)
written in your mud with my stick

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I'd start with a bearing wholesaler and see if they have a seal to fit your dimensions. If you have to, take the old seal and drum with you so they can do the measuring.

Richard

 

[Will]

You can find a modern seal to fit that. Take it to Napa and let them figure it out.

 

[nutpantz]

Been to napa, the other local major parts supply place and every rv/trailer place for 30 miles.
every one said they were stumped.(unless it was a speedy sleeve) I was out of luck. Manufacturer/dealer stated they have no parts, no idea where I could get help, and suggest I do what they do.replace the axle.
Only one guy knew what it was but could not offer any replacement,only said back in the day they used felt not rubber for the seal, but would never suggest I do that.

Maybe I'll just park it, until I find replacement axles on sale.
written in your mud with my stick

 

[brokemechanic3000]

all you need to know is the shaft diameter and the inner hub diameter to find the correct seal. It sounds like the parts guys around you are to lazy to look up specifications.

 

[SenorNoob]

This.^ Lazy parts guys!

Edit: IDK the size, but it looks kinda like the axle seal on the D35 TTB.

 

[Will]

all you need to know is the shaft diameter and the inner hub diameter to find the correct seal. It sounds like the parts guys around you are to lazy to look up specifications.

Yes, exactly.

It really matters who is running the store. Our NAPA really works hard, digging through supplier catalogs and using the dial calipers to help you. They really take pride in finding the part for you. If it isn't a part that is cataloged, I've spent 2 hours with them digging through hoses looking for a section on a preformed hose we can cut out to make something work. Something as simple as a seal where the diameters could be measured would be easy. That trailer axle was not custom built for a company. It's going to be pretty standard, even if it is old. Do you have a dial or vernier caliper? We can probably find a workable seal right here.

 

[nutpantz]

The napa guys here have been very helpful over the years.I have brought them any number of odd requests and special order searches.
There is about 3/16 of an inch between the spindle and the drum where the seal goes. The seal is nothing more than 1/16 inch flat metal and slightly more than 1/16 inch rubber seal. It's wedged tightly over a lip on spindle between spindle and the bearing (not the drum, it touches the bearing a little).
It's a bit hard to explain.

Maybe there is a replacement seal that will work out there someplace.
But I'm leaving in two days,
And the tiny town of 2500 people with two auto parts stores had no chance to get anything ordered in time.

written in your mud with my stick