3. The spring on the lip of the oil seal tends to provide support to the lip and prevents the lubricant from leaking outside and also prevents the entry of contaminants from outside.

When considering auto parts spark plugs, it is essential to prioritize quality, compatibility, and performance. Iridium spark plugs are known for their longevity and consistent performance, making them a preferred choice for discerning vehicle owners and automotive enthusiasts. The selection of high-quality iridium spark plugs for motor vehicles can contribute to optimized engine operation, improved fuel economy, and reduced maintenance requirements, ensuring reliable performance over an extended service life.

Oil seals are made from multiple compounds and materials. Some of the oldest, still in use today, are leather and felt compounds. The trend in mass production, however, has seen a move towards synthetic rubber or elastomers. Nitrile is by far the most popular material but developments in PTFE have created a surge of interest in buyers needing seals for high-speed shaft rotation applications. Viton is taking over from the polyacrylic and silicone, as it works better in high-temperature applications and has a high-resistance to abrasion and harmful chemicals.

Figure 7: Oil seals for steel production equipment (rolling mill)

The sealing process involves the interaction between the rotating shaft and the elastomeric material, resulting in a dynamic barrier that prevents fluid leakage and maintains system integrity.

Finding oil spots under a parked vehicle can be both worrying and stressful for any vehicle owner. If the seal’s leak is small, oil may start to accumulate on the underside of the engine. But as the leak gets bigger, the oil leak will become visible in the front side of the engine.  

Table 7: Shaft design checklist

1. Pressure: Many oil seals are used in high-pressure applications, so understanding the working pressure of your components is very important.

If the drive gear has slanting teeth, they may cause the rotor arm to turn. If it does, mark its new position to aid refitting

Finding oil spots under a parked vehicle can be both worrying and stressful for any vehicle owner. If the seal’s leak is small, oil may start to accumulate on the underside of the engine. But as the leak gets bigger, the oil leak will become visible in the front side of the engine.  

All are fitted with a spring to preload the sealing lip. All these types are for non-pressurised or low-pressure applications up to 0.5 bar for diameters of a limited size. For diameter of 500 mm or more, the maximum pressure is 0.1 bar. For higher pressures, special types or PTFE lip seals can be used.

OIL SEAL (LIP SEAL) VS. MECHANICAL SEAL: PROS & CONS OF EACH