Most WW2 turret rings were not actually sealed against anything. They relied on their shape to encourage water to keep away from the actual bearing surfaces. There were usually ribs on both the top of the hull and the bottom of the turret that prevented bullet fragments from getting to the bearing and these helped to keep water and lumps of dirt away too. Dust was a more difficult problem that was reduced by regular greasing which used the grease to push the dirt away from the actual bearing and trap incoming dirt and water. The rack was exposed (as it is on modern tanks) and just guarded to prevent damage to crew.
David
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