Changing bearings

[balky1]

Today I finally got the time to change the rear wheel bearings and while I was doing so, I noticed something that worries me.
At the picture below you can see (at least I hope so because of the picture "quality") a hairline crack at the left side of the rear wheel hub. This is the place where the O-ring goes.

Did anyone ever had a problem like this? What the hell?
Another thing. I also found out why the rear bearings got busted. Left side oil seal got damaged and I found a groove cut into the left side wheel spacer just at the place where the oil seal lip goes. So my new bearings won't last long also. 

[FJ1100mjk]

If you can do it, you might want to consider just finding another wheel. Should be able source one rather inexpensively. No worries then.

[fj1289]

Are you sure it is a crack?  Try cleaning that area up and "polishing" it with fine steel wool or scotchbrite pad.  You may find that it's only a blemish or scratch or something.  Good luck!

[balky1]

I gave it some thoughts and without polishing there's no way to be sure. Since the wheel is back on the bike, now it's too late.  I suppose that with 30k on the clock it should be just a scratch.
I will have the damaged spacer made somewhere locally out of stainless steel. These OEMs are of aluminum? They do seem light.