Applications
VMQ, also known as silicone, is also used for oil seals, but this is less common because the mechanical strength of VMQ is low and this material has poor wear-resistance This makes it less suitable for dynamic applications, but it can withstand fairly low and high temperatures from -60 °C to 200 °C. Many types of VMQ are also suitable for contact with pharmaceutical and food products, so VMQ is an option worth considering. VMQ oil seals are usually available on request.
Oil seals, often called a rotary shaft seal or grease seal, closes the gap between stationary and moving components in mechanical equipment — most often rotating shafts — helping prevent lubricant escape and stopping harmful materials, such as dirt, from moving in through the clearance. Oil seals are most commonly used in gearboxes, hydraulic cylinders, and related components.
Leather is probably the oldest of the lip materials still in common use, but the move towards mass production methods has seen a massive increase in the development of synthetic rubbers which lend themselves to accurate and repeatable injection and compression moulding. Nitrile (NBR) is still by far the most common elastomer for “normal” use, whilst Viton® (FKM/FPM) is rapidly replacing Polyacrylate (ACM) and Silicone (VMQ) for high-temperature applications. Viton® also has high resistance to abrasion and chemical attack making it a preferred elastomer. Recent developments in the use of PTFE for Rotary shaft seals has caused widespread interest particularly for high-speed shaft rotation or poor lubrication applications.
ERIKS type R (type A according to the DIN standard) is identical in shape to type M, but has a rubber outer case with metal reinforcement on the inside. The rubber creates a good seal in the housing, even if the housing has suffered minor damage or is not in its best condition for other reasons. The RST version has a dust lip. These types are often chosen to replace a type with a metal outer case because they are easier to install and can cope with minor damage to the groove, such as scratches.
Apply to
Imperfections on the shaft
To ensure correct fit and proper protection against contaminants, the inside diameter of an oil seal must be slightly smaller than the shaft diameter.
Special exceptions still apply within the Volkswagen group. With PTFE oil seals, an aluminium or plastic housing is used in many different engine series. The Top Dead Centre (TDC) signal is no longer measured at the flywheel, but directly using a sensor on the rear crankshaft flange and integrated sensor in the oil seal. Special procedures and tools must be used for the disassembly and assembly of these parts.
