- The rear shock absorber oil seal is an essential component of the suspension system in a vehicle. It plays a crucial role in preventing oil leakage and maintaining the proper functioning of the shock absorber. This small but important seal is often overlooked, but its significance cannot be understated.
1. Oil seals have three basic components: sealing element, metal case, and spring.
- The primary function of these seals is to maintain system efficiency by preventing fluid loss, which could lead to decreased performance, increased wear, and even equipment failure. The seal's ability to withstand high pressure is crucial, as it directly impacts the reliability and longevity of the machinery. They are typically made from materials with exceptional resistance to pressure, heat, and chemical degradation, such as rubber compounds, polyurethane, or PTFE (Teflon).

rubber tube gasket. This is especially important in environments with high levels of mechanical stress or movement, where a rigid gasket may fail to provide adequate protection.
1) Oil seals for cars
Oil seals with outer metal cases may include finishes or treatments applied to the outer edge to aid in rust protection, identification, and sealing of scratches or imperfections in the housing bore. Common finishes applied to the outside edge of metal O.D. oil seals include plain (a bonding agent of usually a yellowish-green color), a color-painted edge, and a grinded-polished edge.
Many – too numerous to list, covering a vast range of designs, sizes, and materials suitable for a never-ending range of applications. Some designs conform to International Standards such as BS1399 and DIN 3760 for metric sizes and seal types, but the majority have been manufactured to suit particular applications – hence the enormous selection available. This blog is intended to assist in this selection and will consider seal type, materials, and sizes.
Oil Seal Materials
What is Oil Seal | Purpose , Types of Oil Seal , Advantages
Figure 14.2. Oil retention seal (CR Industries).
Oil seals, also referred to as shaft seals, are widely used to prevent the leakage of medium (such as oils and grease) along a rotating shaft. This leak prevention is primarily achieved by the sealing element which can be made from a wide range of materials that are chosen according to each application. They are commonly used in gearboxes, hydraulic cylinders, and related components.
The simplest way is to know either the preferred manufacturers part number, the overall sizes of shaft diameter, housing diameter and bore depth.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.