Installation

The subject of installation represents an area commonly overlooked when selecting an oil seal for an application. Studies have shown this area to be one of the major causes of premature seal failure.

To assist the installation, the seal should be prelubricated with grease or oil to reduce sliding friction of contact surfaces. This will also help protect the seal lips during initial run-in. An installation tool should always be used when installing an oil seal. The use of a tool improves ease of installation and reduces the possibility of seal cocking (non-perpendicular to shaft). A hydraulic or pneumatic press is advised to supply necessary force to install the seal.

Following are examples of both recommended and improper installation methods.

In each preferred method, installation load is absorbed by either housing or bottom plate to prevent seal damage and to assist in locating the seal properly within the bore.

The advisable sequence of installation is to install the seal over the shaft and then into the housing bore. Care should be exercised not to damage or deform the seal lip. The proper chamfer angle will minimize this problem. When installing over a keyway or spine, a sleeve or bullet should be employed to protect the seal lip from cuts.

Where the shaft must be installed through the seal, centering guides for the shaft will prevent lip deformation and dislodging of the spring. When possible, the shaft should be rotated as it passes through the seal to reduce sliding friction.

Seal Installation Over Shaft Splines

Heavy Weight Housing

Long Shaft