How to choose oil seals

How to choose oil seal

The easiest way to make the right choice is to purchase original oil seals from an authorized dealer. In this case, the expert will choose a product that exactly matches the make and model of your car.

If you decide to buy a similar product, you need to consider several aspects of your choice:
The size of the product must be appropriate, and it is allowed (though not recommended) to use oil seals whose width is slightly smaller than the original oil seal.

The new oil seal must be designed to be used in the same environment as the old product (for example, antifreeze or engine oil).

The sealing device must be designed to operate within a temperature range suitable for its installation.

The simulation device must have a design corresponding to the original product (for example, the same notch on the sealing ring, etc.).

Special attention should be paid to the presence of anthers or threads. The first is designed to protect the parts from dust, and the second is used as a pump to pour out the oil.

In addition to technical characteristics, when choosing an oil seal, you also need to pay attention to cost and manufacturer, and give priority to choosing mature and popular brands and products with average market value. Otherwise, there is a high risk of entering low-quality products, which will not only quickly lead to failures, but also bring new troubles, which will bring huge financial costs.

Important note: It is strongly recommended not to use domestic oil seals on foreign cars, because the materials and processes of such products still have many shortcomings. However, on the contrary, it is recommended to install foreign-made oil seals on family cars.

Oil seal brand: which brand is preferred

1. Butadiene rubber rubber (NBR) is a medium-cost material that can be used at temperatures from minus 40 to plus 120°C, and has good resistance to most types of fuels and lubricants.
2. Acrylic rubber (ACM) is the cheapest material, suitable for use at temperatures ranging from minus 30 to 150 degrees Celsius, and is usually used to make wheel seals.
3. Silicone (VMQ, MVG, ECOSIL) is a popular material with low cost but has many disadvantages, including chemical stability to certain types of mineral oil.
4. Fluoroplastic/fluoroelastomer (FPM, FKM) is a widely used material for the manufacture of oil seals for power seals, such as camshafts, oil pumps, crankshafts, etc. The main advantages of this material include resistance to most types of oils and chemical liquids and excellent mechanical resistance. Its operating temperature range is minus 40 to plus 180°C.
5. Teflon (PTFE) is a rapidly popularized material. Its high resistance to any chemically active liquid, the lowest friction rate and the largest operating temperature range (minus 40 to plus 220°C) promote the development of this material . Even though the oil seals of this material have the highest cost, they have the least wear on the rotating elements of the motor.