I am installing new rear wheel bearings.

The new bearings have;
the outer race, a METAL spacer and the inner race - on one side,
the other side has the outer race, a PLASTIC spacer and the inner race.

When I removed the old bearings, one had the metal spacer facing the hub, the other side had the plastic spacer facing the hub.

I have checked the WSM and found nothing about orientation. I found a couple white papers and they did not specify this detail. I did a search here on the list and found a lot about replacing the bearings, but nothing about the orientation.

So, does it matter which side (METAL vs. PLASTIC) faces the hub (or the axle)?

Thanks,
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Tom

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Tom--

The original bearings on my '89 were both installed with the rubber seal towards the hub face, metal shield over the seal on the transmission side.
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'89 S4 Auto, black
Dr Bob

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