Wheel bearing seal orientation

[errantalmond]

I replaced my left front wheel bearings last weekend and am doing the right this weekend. In Nug’s great photo essay, the outer seal goes in with the flat side with metal showing facing out; in all the pictures and instructions in printed references it seems to be other way. What’s the story? Both ways work? Differences? Below is a shot from Nug’s writeup, from the Haynes, the 88 xt FSM, and from ‘how to keep your Subaru alive’

[el_freddo]

The seals should have the rubber extension/flap piece mounted so this is external. 

In that third pic, it’s backwards. 

Cheers 

Bennie

[errantalmond]

Thanks. I’ve since learned that the seal in that photo was some kind of lipless seal that just looks that way…