Introduction:

Oil seals, also known as rotary shaft seals, play a crucial role in preventing the leakage of fluids, such as oil, from machinery or equipment. However, there are various factors that can contribute to oil seal failures, leading to leaks and potential damage.

This guide aims to provide an overview of common reasons why oil seals may fail and provides recommendations for addressing these issues.

There are two parts an Oil Seal / Rotary Shaft Seal where leakage can occur:

• The interface between housing bore and seal O.D
• Between the seal lip and shaft

Oil Seal Failure Checklist

SYMPTOM	CAUSE	RECOMMENDED ACTION
Oil Seal rotates with shaft	Seal O.D smaller than bore I.D	Select correct size seal and replace
Oil Seal moves in axial direction along shaft	Seal O.D smaller than bore I.D and caused by the rotating of shaft or the internal pressure	Select correct size seal and replace
Seal installed in declining condition	The I.D of housing bore is undersized, incorrect means of installation causing the seal to be misaligned	Ensure housing bore is correct size
Deformation of the metal case	Use of incorrect installation tool	Use correct installation tool
Damage on the case O.D	The finish of housing is not correct and / or incorrect means of installation Dirt adhering to the seal O.D or the housing I.D	Ensure housing size is correct Use correct installation tool
Lip worn seriously	Insufficient lubrication Application design restricts lubricant access to seal lip	Ensure sufficient lubricant Change design to ensure seal lip is accessible to lubricant
Lip worn seriously	Inner pressure too high	Change seal design to pressure type
Lip partially worn	Seal partially installed T.I.R of I.D and O.D are too big	Select seal with suitable T.I.R (Total Indicated Runout)
Lip partially worn	Seal misaligned in housing	Ensure housing bore is correct Use correct installation tool
Lip hardened, worn, and cracked	High temperature, shaft rotation speed, or pressure	Select suitable compound type Supply sufficient lubricant
Lip material swollen	Incorrect compound selection	Select the correct compound
Lip scratched	Shaft surface not smooth Scratch caused by incorrect installation tool	Let all the lip configuration clear Install seal correctly
Lip turning out	Incorrect installation Inner pressure too high	Lubricate the lip and shaft before installation Use pressure type seal
Crack on the base of flex section	Inner pressure too high Sudden pressure strike on the flex section	Use high-pressure type seals
Spring dislodged from spring groove	Shaft chamfer is incorrect Incorrect installation The retainer lip is too short	Finish the shaft chamfer and lubricate before installation Be careful while installing Change the seal design

Conclusion:

Understanding the potential reasons for oil seal failures is essential for maintaining the proper functioning of machinery and preventing leaks. By recognizing the symptoms, identifying the causes, and implementing the recommended actions outlined in the checklist, you can address oil seal issues effectively.

Regular inspection, proper installation techniques, and selecting the correct seal size and compound for the operating conditions are crucial steps in preventing oil seal failures.

Additionally, ensuring sufficient lubrication and addressing issues related to pressure, alignment, and surface conditions can significantly contribute to the longevity and effectiveness of oil seals.

By following this checklist and taking proactive measures, you can minimize the risk of oil seal failures, enhance the performance of your equipment, and avoid potential downtime and costly repairs associated with oil leaks.

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