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.
Regular inspection and maintenance of wheel hub oil seals and steering oil seals are essential to identify signs of wear, damage, or leakage. Proper lubrication and adherence to recommended service intervals can help extend the lifespan of these seals. When replacement is necessary, selecting the correct seal type and ensuring proper installation are critical to maintaining the integrity and performance of the vehicle's wheel hubs and steering mechanisms.



Longer seal life can be expected with shafts having a Rockwell (RC) hardness of 30 or more. When exposed to abrasive contamination, the hardness should be increased to RC 60.