6 Things You Need to Know About Oil Seals

When debris gets stuck in the engine fork seals, it keeps them open and lets the oil slip away, and your vehicle's performance suffers. And an oil seal (also called a shaft seal or dirt seal) is a device used to prevent dirt, dust, water, or any other foreign material from contaminating the shafts and bearings in rotating shaft equipment. It stops the leakage of lubricant (e.g. oil) along the rotating shaft.

In this article, we will introduce the basic knowledge you need to know when using oil seals.

 

oil seal

 

1. Oil seal structure

 

An oil seal consists of three basic components: a sealing element, a metal housing, and a spring.

 

Sealing element

 

The sealing element forms the inside of the oil seal. Its purpose is to stop the leakage of fluid from between the shaft and the housing. The materials usually used are fluorinated rubber, silicone resin, NBR, and acrylic resin.

 

Metal Housing

 

The metal housing serves as the frame of the oil seal. Its primary function is to provide stiffness and strength to the seal. The choice of material depends on the environment in which the seal will be used.

 

Spring

 

A snap spring is a steel ring located at the end of the main sealing lip. It is used to apply pressure to the seal lip on the shaft. Typically, it is made of carbon steel or stainless steel. 
 

2. Types of oil seals

 

 

Metal Housing

 

Metal housing oil seals are usually installed in a housing bore made of the same material. This allows the material to expand and contract moderately during operation, preventing leakage.

 

Rubber Housing

 

Rubber housing oil seals do not rust and are used in situations where the metal housing seal may fail. Because rubber provides a more consistent seal at high temperatures, it can seal slightly damaged housings better than metal-covered seals.

 

 

3. Protects shafts from damage

 

 

If there are any scratches on the shaft, a leak path can form, causing contaminants to seep into the oil seal, which can allow lubricant to drip off. Potential cracking can be avoided by wrapping the shaft in a mesh rubber screen and storing it vertically in its compartment.
 

oil seal

 

4. Causes of oil seal failure

 

 

In high-pressure applications, even the smallest deposits can form gaps in the seal, causing dust and debris to enter. And the entry of dust and debris is one of the most common causes of oil seal failure. An effective way to ensure that particles do not contaminate oil seals is to store them in containers or sealed bags, away from areas where dust and debris are prevalent.

 

 

5. Proper Installation

 

 

Oil seals play an important role in preventing lubricant leakage by closing the space between rotating shaft equipment components. They also prevent dirt, dust, and other contaminants from clogging the equipment. Properly installed oil seals help ensure that the sealing process is effective and can allow engines, pumps, and piping to operate more efficiently. One way to identify improperly installed seals is to check for uneven shear of the rubber after use.
 

 

6. Seal grease containers when not in use

 

 

Covering grease containers with sealable lids when not in use reduces the risk of dirt contaminating the grease, and therefore the oil seal. For installation tools, make sure they do not have any jagged edges that could damage the seals during installation.

Are you looking for the right oil seal for your vehicle? If so, then you've come to the right place. You can always browse our online inventory to see some quality oil seals for sale.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us for advice.