Citabria Rebuilding a tailwheel, old or new style seals?

[Bartman]

Was about to order new rubber seals and figured I'd ask. Is there a strong argument for cleaning and reusing the felt seals instead of replacing them with the new style rubber/spring seals?

I was looking for photos of the two types of seals and found this article about how to speak your tailwheel's love language.

Maintenance Matters

Tailwheel maintenance and setup. By Dave Prizio.

www.kitplanes.com

Old style grease retainter, that inner white ring is a felt washer



The new style seal

 

[Bob Turner]

I doubt it makes any difference. What is important in that area is friction - you need exactly the right amount. Go easy on the grease.

 

[Bartman]

I ordered the new style, my old ones are junk, there's no felt protruding from under the washer to seal the axle.