Front wheel bearing grease seal

[RotoFlexible]

I'm changing my front wheel bearings. I disassembled the hubs a while back and didn't pay attention to all the details, I'm afraid. The inner bearing is retained by a ring with an L cross-section. I think I put the ring in backwards with the flat away from the hub instead of inward toward the bearing (see photo). With the retainer in this position the hub doesn't seat completely and binds somewhat. Am I correct in assuming that the flat of the retainer should be toward the bearing?

The grease seal that came out was a simple felt ring. The new seal is a felt ring with a thin metal casing (see photo). At first I thought this casing should go into the recess in the hub (where the retainer ring is presently) but it doesn't quite fit. With the casing in place and the seal placed over the spindle, the hub won't seat properly, even with no retainer ring. Should I simply remove the casing and use the felt ring without it?

Thanks in advance for your insights.

[prloz]

Andrew,
The inner bearing has no retaining ring - it seats against the shoulder on the vertical link.
The metal ring with the L cross section is what's left of your old seal assembly - the felt ring has separated from it.
Remove the metal ring and discard.
Press the new seal assembly into the hub recess with the felt facing out.
Regards,
Peter.

[RotoFlexible]

The inner bearing has no retaining ring - it seats against the shoulder on the vertical link.
The metal ring with the L cross section is what's left of your old seal assembly - the felt ring has separated from it.
Remove the metal ring and discard.
Press the new seal assembly into the hub recess with the felt facing out.

That makes sense. However, the existing ring (that I called a retainer ring) is relatively heavy gauge and sized correctly to tap into the hub recess. The metal on the new seal is very light weight and slightly too large for the hub recess - any attempt to press or tap it into place just bends it. I think these are incorrect or cheaply made seals. (They are Asian in origin.)

In any case, I'm clear on the intended layout and can put together something that works. Thanks, Peter.

[prloz]

Andrew,
Yes, seems your new seals are poor quality.
Can you remove the felt from your new seals and glue them to your old retainers ?
Triumph part number for these seals was 107194, if that's any help.
Regards,
Peter.