[GeorgeG]

I have two different centerpost seals for the top of the tub support and brake housing on my Kenmore 110.20982992. The one that is the water seal that the brake tube passes through.

The one that came with the tub support (left in first picture) has a shorter friction wall height and a second seal structure in the bottom of the assembly (second photo). The one that you get if you order it as a separate seal (356934) is labeled 3163 on the bag and has a much taller friction wall height and no second seal structure in the bottom of the seal (third photo) only in the top of the assembly just under the seal taper. Also, the inner top seals are different between the 2 parts. My first seal failed after a few hours in my rebuild so I want to use the correct part for the redo.

Which seal is the better choice?

Also, how do you press this seal in so as not to damage it?

Thanks,

George

[bettyboop]

Usually the very small seal that seals the agitator shaft is the leaker!
I find a 8 " length of pvc water pipe that is a little larger than the outer part of the seal, then i very carefully grind small amounts off the dia. of the pipe as to the pipe fits real closely in the bore, now put a little vasoline on seal to lube it.Then place your homade pipe punch tool on seal and tap it home gently. these seals rarely leak, it's usually a rust thru hole in the tub support, that causes the leak.
good luck Betty Boop

[GeorgeG]

Is the current set up the 2 seals in the support tube, stacked on each other over the top bearing (as in the original parts diagram) or have they gone to a single seal at the top of the support tube? If its a single seal do you pack it with Rykon lube like the upper in the old 2 seal stack or leave it dry like the lower? Lastly, which of the two seals that I show is the right one?

Thanks,

George

[GeorgeG]

I have some clarification. The top of the support tube used to use 2 identical seals stacked on top of each other between the top bearing and the top of the tube. Both of them were the large one in the picture. You would install all of the other seals and bearings, insert the brake tube, pour in some turbine oil, insert the first top seal dry, then pack the second top seal with Rykon grease and insert it.

Those two top (large) seals have been replaced with a single redesigned seal (the smaller one in the picture). Is the redesigned single seal better or just cheaper? I have both solutions available. Am I supposed to grease this single seal like the top one in the old two seal solution or leave it dry like the lower seal in the old two seal solution?

BTW, the 285203 seal kit comes with the new single seal (despite the picture) but if you order the standalone top seal (356934) you might get either one, I have received both.

Thanks,

George