No rubber gasket it was just metal to metal, but I think some one had been in there before to change the wheel bearings. I removed it fairly easily I was actually trying to knock the bearing out using a socket on an exstension from the other side of the wheel and it just started moving as the bearing is carried in this part and not the actual wheel. Be carefull not to use to much force as magnesium is brittle. Normally if bearings are stuborn I heat the wheel gently with a decorators hot air gun.