Nobody seemed to have a thread dedicated to this and its important to know I think. The rear wheel seals for 71 and newer Buick 8.5 rear ends are supposed to be part number 712146 with the ~.470 width. Auto zone is the only store reflecting the correct one in their system for a 71 Buick Skylark...all the other parts stores like O'Reilly and Advance list the wrong seal, 2146, which is too narrow (.375), will bolt right on like normal, but will not work properly and the axles will have too much free play. Rock Auto had both kinds/widths of seals listed, as well as another name brand/part #7116735 that I'm going to give a shot. In fact, I just ordered TWO sets of rear wheel bearings and seals on wholesale clearance from Rock Auto for less than $20 shipped...which for 4 seals and 4 bearings is amazing. Auto zone wanted $22 just for one bearing!
Andy, There are several threads on this. I ran into this when doing my 8.5. Here is one, http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?220547-End-play&highlight=712146+axle+seals
I have found that ALL 712146 seal on the market today are wrong... Width. Only Timkin has been correct for now. BE CAREFUL with these. .490 is really what the thickness should be. not .470. Jim J D
Good to know! I saw several different widths listed, but figured the .470 and .490 were perhaps just measured differently. The ones I ordered L & S Automotive 7116735 on RockAuto said .490 width, so perhaps they are good to go as well besides Timken. SKF 16044 shows .500 width...lots to choose from on RockAuto.
I only use the Timken 712146 seals. You can't have any end play,or the bearing won't be seated in the race.
guys im throwed off a little here, i just bought a 71 skylark 8.5 2.93 single track, for my 70 gs, are yall saying it has pressed on axle bearings and bolt in axles?? like my old pontiac 8.2s did?
