Any Thoughts on Rejuvenating Leather Seals?

Hudsy Wudsy

I have a NOS, but quite dry looking, leather pinion seal that I picked up for my '50 some time ago. I knew it had sat for some time, so I went to NAPA and bought a new one. It doesn't look much different. Do you guys have any thoughts on miracle chemicals to soak them in or wipe them with to give them their best chance at lasting for a while after installation?

Unknown

Hi James, of course it stands to reason that oil is a good soak as that is what keeps it soft in use. Many years ago I ran accros some stuff called TRISEAL that I used in my trucks , first as a bandaid and then I started putting it in all gear boxes as preventive maintanance. My seal replacement went to almost none,works on leather and rubber . Had my local parts house start stocking it and now about every wrench twister around here is doing the same.Even compatable with engine oil . BUD

Geoff

Wynns have a product called "Engine Stop Leak", which is supposed to rejuvenate seals, but I have no experience of whether it works or not. You put it in the engine oil. However, you are talking about a seal that has not yet been installed, so why not just soak it in good old-fashioned Neatsfoot oil for a few days first.

Geoff.

Jon B

Neat's foot oil is good for rejuvenating leather. Buy at your local shoe store, or extract it yourself if a wild neat falls into your hands.

Unknown

Hey Jon, neats are really rare around here but we got a lot of mug wumps if that'll work. I'd like to get rid of a few, they sit on my telephone line with their mug on one side, wump on the other and poop on my cars. BUD

Hudsy Wudsy

Neatsfoot oil, that's what I was trying to recall. Thank you guys!

Unknown

Go easy with it James, I'd gently rub it {don't stretch the seal } rather than long submerged soaking . that stuff really softens leather , used to use it on my hunting boots to waterproof when I could still hunt. and you want some stiffness BUD

[Deleted User]

I've used GOOP the hand cleaner. Has Lanolin and worked for me.



Randy

Hudsy Wudsy

Thanks, Bud. Randy, Goop is a product with interesting qualities, isn't it? I can see where it could have real value in this sort of aplication. Along a somewhat different line, we used Armor All on squeaky belts. If belt dressing or silicone spray would quiet a belt for six weeks, Armor All would quiet it for six months. I was tempted to experiment with it on the leather seal, but I'm not in the mood to risk early failure. Do any of you ever use Armor All on leather and rubber, or such?

[Deleted User]

I have used GOOP on car window seals to soften when removing the glass. If you ever try it on rubber seals you will notice it "sucks" the goop right in.

Randy

Unknown

used Armor All on my "truck driver" boots and the dash and rubber around windows and such. Shines them up but never noticed any softening effect. I'd go with the Neats Foot or actually any oil as it is a natural element of leather. Also lanolin. I just don't recommend tossing them in it and come back later to see what happened as it will swell for sure. I'd wet a cloth heavily and go at it a bit slow trying not too much pressure so as not to stretch it . I agree with Randy on the window seals but I'd be afraid to try on leather unless just an experiment, might end up being overkill for the seal , BUD

Hudsy Wudsy

Again, thanks to both of you for taking the time to share your thoughts.

JP