Farmall M brake shaft seal backwards

[jdetig1]

I took the old brake shaft seals off my m and I really thought they were in backwards. Normal seals you would have the flat part with the brand name and number out away from the oil. I threw the old seals away but I swore the flat side was facing toward the inside of the housing where the oil is. They didn't really leak before. Maybe I'm wrong but should I put the seal in so the rubber and spring part are towards the oil, or the other way like I think the old ones were?
 

[pete 23]

The rubber, spring, lip, go toward the oil you are trying to keep in. Some seals have a lip on the outer edge also, but it will not be spring loaded and it is to keep dirt and trash out.
 

[notjustair]

Although it is well protected by the drum and cover, putting that seal the other way would put the vulnerable side out. Like I said, not really an issue to deal with there. I can see doing that on a PTO seal would be problematic. There's always a chance that twine or something would wrap around the shaft and tear up the seal. I have to watch the twine on my M loader tractor to make sure I don't get any wrapped anywhere.

I guess considering the protection it gets that seal isn't a problem. I wouldn't do it on purpose, though.
 

[Dennis K (WA)]

Like Pete said, spring to oil side.