How do you size an oil seals?

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An oil seal is an essential component in numerous machinery and automotive applications, preventing leakage of lubricants and fluids. Properly sizing an oil seal is crucial to ensure optimal performance and prevent any potential leaks. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of correctly sizing an oil seal.

The first step in sizing an oil seal is to determine the shaft diameter. Measure the diameter of the rotating shaft that the seal will be fitted onto using a precise measuring tool, such as a caliper or micrometer. Ensure that the measurement is accurate and take multiple readings to confirm the diameter.

Once you have the shaft diameter, the next step is to measure the seal bore diameter. This represents the inner diameter of the sealing lip where it comes into contact with the shaft. It is important to measure the seal bore diameter accurately as any deviation can lead to leakage. Again, use a precise measuring tool to obtain an accurate measurement.

After obtaining the shaft diameter and seal bore diameter, the next step is to calculate the correct seal width. The seal width refers to the distance between the outer edges of the seal. It is crucial to choose the appropriate seal width to ensure proper sealing and lubrication retention. The ideal seal width should be slightly greater than the gap between the sealing surfaces.

Additionally, it is important to consider the type of seal material for specific applications. Different materials, such as rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or silicone, offer unique properties and are suitable for different operating conditions. Factors such as temperature, pressure, and chemical compatibility should be taken into account when choosing the appropriate seal material.

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Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that seals with additional features, such as dust lips or spring-loaded elements, may be necessary in certain environments or applications. These features enhance the sealing performance by preventing contaminants from entering and improving the seal’s ability to maintain contact with the shaft.

Once you have gathered all the necessary measurements and considered the specific requirements of your application, consult the manufacturer’s specifications or use one of the available online calculators to determine the appropriate oil seal size. It is crucial to find the right balance between a tight seal to prevent leakage and excessive interference that may cause premature wear or damage to the seal or shaft.

Sizing an oil seal correctly is a crucial step to ensure effective sealing and prevent any potential leaks. By accurately measuring the shaft and seal bore diameter, calculating the seal width, selecting the appropriate seal material, and considering additional features, you can determine the optimal oil seal size for your specific application. Remember, precise measurements and careful consideration of the operational conditions are key to obtaining reliable and efficient sealing performance.

Identifying oil seals can be tricky especially the imperial sizes so here is a little guide that will help you get your job up & running again quickly

Metric Oil Seals

Metric oil seals are more or less straight forward as the size is stamped on the seal for example 20 47 7 this indicates that the inside is 20mm, outside 47mm & width 7mm, some oil seals have different lip arrangements 

SC=R21 & TC=R23 being the most common R21=Single Lip R23=Double Lip

So for example if you had on your oil seal TC 20 47 7 you would now know that you would need a double lip seal with a 20mm inside, 47mm outside & 7mm width.

Imperial Oil Seals

imperial oil seals are a little more tricky as the numbers on the oil seal are not in fractions & they always start with the outside diameter first for example 300 212 37 this indicates that the oil seals sizes are 2.1/8" inside, 3" outside & 3/8 wide, below is a table to help you convert these numbers,

1/16           0.06
1/8             0.12
3/16           0.18
1/4             0.25
5/16           0.31
3/8             0.37
7/16           0.43
1/2             0.50
9/16           0.56
5/8             0.62
11/16         0.68
3/4             0.75
13/16         0.81
7/8             0.87
15/16         0.93
1                1.00

To help you understand how the table works with imperial oil seal numbers here are a few example references,

(remember the first number is always the outside diameter)

137 62 25 = 5/8" inside x 1.3/8" outside x 1/4" wide

187 125 25 = 1.1/4" inside x 1.7/8" outside x 1/4" wide

150 250 37 = 1.1/2" x inside 2.1/2" x outside 3/8" wide

To identify the seals lip arrangement see previous table above,

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