Classical oil seals consist of a metal housing that carries the dynamic sealing lip and provides the static sealing function. These are usually manufactured of elastomer material, such as ACM, Silicone or FPM. Further, since they are in contact with the surface of the rotating shaft, the lip is pressed onto the shaft surface by means of a spring ring.
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.


Step-by-step plan for correct installation
Usually, these oil seals are used to seal lubricating oil or grease and contain it within the application, so that moving parts such as bearings are continually supplied with enough lubrication. However, such seals are also used for sealing other liquids, gases, and solids, such as powders or granules.
Rubber type

Generally, an oil seal is made up of an outer circular metal part and a bonded inner flexible material (often nitrile rubber) that does the actual sealing.

Oil seal performance is affected by not only the type and material of the selected oil seal, but also a variety of other factors, such as operating conditions, total eccentricity, rotational speed, the substance to be sealed, and lubrication conditions.
Figure 9 shows items relating to oil seal characteristics.
Rubber type
Selecting Quality Car Engine Head Gaskets and Automotive Rubber Gaskets
