- In addition to their functional capabilities, hub oil seals also play a crucial role in extending the life of machinery. By preventing the loss of lubricant and the ingress of contaminants, these seals help to reduce wear and tear on moving parts, leading to longer equipment life and reduced maintenance costs.
- Nitrile Oil Seals – Also known as Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber seals, is a particularly good general-purpose option due to its flexibility of usage. They are the most often used oil seal due to its strong resistance against hot water, fats and animal oils, gasoline, mineral oils, and grease. They cannot however survive extreme temperatures.
- Changing a valve cover gasket is a routine maintenance task for car owners or mechanics, particularly when dealing with engine leaks or performance issues. The valve cover gasket, a crucial component in an internal combustion engine, seals the gap between the cylinder head and the valve cover, preventing oil from spilling out and contaminants from getting in.
Regular inspection and maintenance of valve cover gaskets, head gaskets, and spark plugs are essential to identify signs of wear, damage, or deterioration. Proper replacement of worn or damaged components is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and reliability of the engine. Adhering to recommended service intervals and using high-quality replacement components are essential for optimizing the performance and longevity of the engine's critical components.
- PTFE oil seals, also known as Teflon oil seals, are commonly used in various industrial applications to prevent the leakage of oil or other fluids. These seals are made from a high-performance material called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is known for its excellent chemical resistance and low friction properties.
Oil seals come in various shapes to fit the machines and substances to be sealed.
Figure 2 shows the structure and the names of the various components of the most typical oil seal.
The functions of the various components are also indicated in Table 1.
The oil seal gets its structural stability from an interior metal ring which serves as an inner skeleton. The outer skin is made of a more flexible material like nitrile rubber or other materials based on the physical environment of the seal. A spring on the lip of the seal supports the lip and keeps the lubricant from leaking. The lip construction is what blocks contaminants from outside.
One option is to buy oil seals from specialised gasket and sealing material companies like Polymer Trade Manufacturing Ltd, which is known for its expertise in dealing with gaskets and o rings. These companies not only offer an extensive range of oil seals but also provide expert advice to help customers select the right sealing materials for their specific requirements.

When included, the garter spring applies pressure to the sealing lip against the shaft, ensuring a tight seal. The choice of material, like that of the case, largely depends on the environment of use.
Meanwhile, 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. Moreover, they can seal a lightly damaged housing better than metal-covered seals since, in high temperatures, rubber can provide a more stable sealability.