What are Oil Seals and how should they be ordered?
Figure 3: Lip type
- When it comes to replacing the rear shock absorber oil seal, it's crucial to opt for high-quality parts. Low-quality seals may not withstand the harsh conditions inside the shock absorber, leading to faster degradation and more frequent replacements. Regular maintenance checks and timely repairs can help identify any issues with the oil seal before they escalate into major problems.
- Viton Oil Seals – Viton is a form of synthetic rubber and fluoropolymer elastomer; these seals provide resistance in both high temperatures up to 250°C and low compression set components. They are also strong against abrasions and chemicals, so they can be used in machinery and elements that operate with solvents and petroleum.
- Regular inspection and replacement of the valve cover gasket are essential to keep the 2
2.0 tsi valve cover gasket.0% TSI engine running smoothly. Signs of a failing gasket include oil leaks around the valve cover, a burning smell coming from the engine, or a drop in oil pressure. If any of these symptoms are present, it is crucial to replace the gasket as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the engine.- Labyrinth seals are another type of mechanical oil seal that uses a series of grooves and barriers to create a labyrinthine path for oil to travel through
mechanical oil seal. This design helps to prevent oil leakage by trapping oil within the seal and redirecting it back into the system. Labyrinth seals are commonly used in high-speed applications where traditional lip seals may fail.
If necessary, lever it gently with a broad screwdriver blade, but take care not to bend the flange or damage the head.

Spring Seals
Figure 2: Typically shaped oil seal and component nomenclature
Because of the higher temperature resistance of FKM, this material is also chosen for applications where higher speeds play a role, which raise the temperature at the sealing lip considerably. Usually, using FKM will result in a longer life than using NBR. This compensates the higher price of FKM compared to NBR, as an FKM does not have to be replaced as frequently. The low temperature resistance of standard FKM is limited to -15 ˚C.
The perfect remedy for this is to use oil seal materials that are rated for the temperature of your application. Also, ensure that the elastomer is free from volatile constituents like waxes, plasticizers, etc.
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.
Operating conditions such as the engine’s temperature, position, size, pressure and shaft speed largely determine which individual oil seal composition is most suitable for every individual application.
Additionally, lubricants can be used on both sides of the oil seal to reduce friction and enhance sealing performance. The sealing process is crucial for preventing contaminants from entering machinery or equipment while keeping essential fluids contained within.

Regular inspection and maintenance of engine oil seals, power steering oil seals, and motor oil seals are essential to identify signs of wear, damage, or leakage. Proper lubrication and adherence to recommended service intervals can help extend the lifespan of these seals. When replacement is necessary, selecting the correct seal type and ensuring proper installation are critical to maintaining the integrity and performance of the vehicle's systems.