2006-08-01 22:44:18 · 2 answers · asked by bill707dolly@sbcglobal.net 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Sealed bearings means they do not need to be greased in a lifetime.
Shielded means a shield is protecting the bearings against heat and dirt. Heat from the engine or exhaust can seriously damage bearings if the shield is removed. (The shield is not part of the bearing, but part of the car's chassis.)
2006-08-02 00:41:08 · answer #1 · answered by okar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A shield is a kind of snap-in metal dust cover. A seal contains a rubber element that completely seals out dust and grime while keeping the bearing grease in there. Both features are normally built into the bearing. Normally sealed bearings will last the longest.
Some bearings have shields or seals on one side only, while double-sealed or double-shielded bearings have them on both sides. Many automotive wheel bearings only need one seal on the outside as the bearings are installed back to back. You can also get bearings that have a seal on one side and a shield on the other, although generally not for automotive use.
2006-08-02 00:42:38 · answer #2 · answered by Mad Scientist Matt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋