The simplest way is to know either the preferred manufacturers part number, the overall sizes of shaft diameter, housing diameter and bore depth, or use our brochure to establish the M Barnwell Services ordering reference. Many of the old traditional names of seal manufacturers have either changed or disappeared in this age of “acquisitions”. If no longer available, we will advise you and offer a suitable alternative seal, from stock whenever possible. If your concern is getting the right seals for the job, you will need to know something about the application as well as the overall sizes. If you have any doubts – contact us, we will help in your seal selection.

The basic principle of sealing is straightforward – the flexible lip is held against the rotating part (usually the shaft) whilst the casing (or O.D.) is pressed into the housing or bore and holds the seal in place. The sealing lip needs some form of lubrication to avoid overheating and is usually energized by means of a garter spring.

Seals, including oil seals, have undergone a great development in recent years and are totally unlike the original product. PTFE has taken over the oil seals market for modern engines mainly because traditional oil seals started causing more and more problems. Such as evaporation of chemical plasticisers from the elastomeric material, which eventually caused engine oil leakage. Now, the focus is more on durability and frequency of servicing.

Oil Seal Buying Guide

Raise the front of the car on ramps, apply the handbrake and chock the rear wheels. Clean round the sump and the crankcase , clutch and gearbox. Drain the engine oil (See How to drain engine oil and remove filter ). Use an adequate jack to lift the engine.

In addition to the installation procedure, our specialists and suppliers would also like to draw your attention to some cases that occur around oil seals.

Rubber materials, operational temperature ranges and their compatibility with fluids

The price of car oil seals can vary based on several factors, including the type of seal, material quality, brand reputation, and market demand. High-quality oil seals designed for specific automotive applications may command a higher price due to their precision engineering, durability, and compatibility with various engine models. When considering the price of car oil seals, it's important to prioritize quality and reliability to ensure optimal performance and longevity in the vehicle's engine system.

When selecting right valve cover gaskets, intake valve cover gaskets, head gaskets, and valve cover gaskets, it is essential to prioritize quality, durability, and compatibility with specific vehicle models. High-quality gaskets are designed to withstand the demanding conditions of automotive operation, providing reliable sealing solutions that contribute to the overall performance and safety of the vehicle. Choosing reputable suppliers and manufacturers known for producing high-quality gaskets is crucial to ensure the reliability and longevity of these critical components.

6. Proper installation is key to effective oil seal performance.

As shown in Figure 1, sealing devices come in two types: contact and non-contact.
Oil seals are among the major contact type sealing devices.

• SIM method to prevent the spring from falling off (integral molding of spring and rubber)