Little things that you should know about car oil seals

Number of hits：4752023-06-29 09:53:27　

　　Car oil seals, also known as shaft seals, are radial lip type seals that are primarily used for retaining lubricants in equipment having rotating, reciprocating or oscillating shafts. The rotating shaft application is most common. An oil seal normally consists of three basic components: the sealing element, the metal case, and the spring.

　　Oil seals are designed to prevent dirt, dust, water, or any other foreign matter from contaminating shafts and bearings in the rotary shaft equipment. They also block the leakage of lubricants such as grease and oil along a rotating shaft.

　　The most common types of oil seals are rubber-cased and metal-cased. Metal-cased oil seals are usually installed in a housing bore made of the same material. This allows for equal expansion and contraction of the materials during operation, preventing leakage. Rubber-cased oil seals are used under conditions where a metal-cased seal can fail (for example, because of thermal expansion). Unlike the metal-cased type, these seals do not rust.

　　Dust and debris are common reasons for oil seal failure. Entry of dust and debris is one of the most common reasons oil seals fail. For instance, in high-pressure applications, even the smallest sediments can create a gap in the seal, causing the oil to leak and dirt to get in. An effective way to ensure particles do not contaminate your oil seal is to store it in a container or sealed bag away from areas where dust and debris are prevalent.

　　Oil seals play an important role in preventing leaks and contamination in car engines. Understanding their basic components, types, and common causes of failure can help you maintain your car’s performance and prevent leaks.