'03 bottom chaincase bearing, need advice!

[wienerwater]

Just changing bearings and maintenance, and when looking at the bottom chaincase bearing, on my '03 RX1 Mountain,(has reverse) it has 1 seal on it, on the inner/chaincae side. is this normal, and why would the outer side have no seal, just open, facing the inboard seal on the shaft? I am curious if this is normal, or maybe the previous owner had this changed and screwed up?Seems the bearing are all original, since sled had 400 miles on it when I bought it, and now has @900 miles.Since this seal stops any chaincase oil from lubricating it, like the other bearings, seems strange to not have a seal on the other side to at least hold the grease in.The bearing is in fair shape still.
I assume the newer models are the same setup, but can anyone give me feedback on this one bearing, as I am waiting to install this bearing and want to do it right is all.
Thanks! (I re-posted this here, not sure where I will get a faster response, mods, remove if not acceptable here)

 

[drg650]

This is normal.Mine was the same way when i did my bearings.I took my case too the dealer to get them to press in the new bearing.And i asked them is this normal and he said yes.This allows the bearing to be oiled.I forget the whole story he told me but your fine.Just put it back together like the way it was.you will be fine.

 

[wienerwater]

That is what makes me wonder, how can the bearing get oil when it is sealed from the inside,with no way of any oil getting to the balls, yet open on the outside face?

 

[drg650]

I hear you.Call your local dealer they can tell you why.But its normal.

 

[drg650]

Just confirmed from yamaha.But that is how they are.If you like you can pack the bearing with grease.But they say there is a small amount of oil that do get through other side.Strange i know but you can call a dealer if you wish.

 

[rxrider]

That is correct... the reason for having a seal towards the chaincase side is to keep debris from worn off the gears and chain to get into the bearings. There is enough oil pressing thru the seals to adequately lubricate the bearings.

 

[wienerwater]

Thanks for the input, and yes, it's to keep chain debris from damaging the bearing, while enough oil seeps into the bearing to keep it happy.