What are the types of oil seals?
2 Answers
Here is the classification of oil seals: 1. According to the rotational linear speed of the shaft: oil seals can be divided into low-speed oil seals (less than 6m/s) and high-speed oil seals (greater than 6m/s). 2. According to the pressure that the oil seal can withstand: they can be classified into normal-pressure oil seals and pressure-resistant oil seals (greater than 0.05Mpa). 3. According to the structure and sealing principle of the oil seal: they can be divided into standard oil seals and dynamic return oil seals. 4. According to the material composition of the oil seal components: they can be categorized into skeleton oil seals and skeleton-less oil seals, as well as spring oil seals and spring-less oil seals.
There are quite a few types of oil seals. The most common one I see is the radial oil seal, which is that basic seal used between shafts and holes to prevent oil leakage. Then there's the V-type oil seal, which is suitable for dynamic motion applications, like providing effective sealing when axles rotate. The U-type oil seal is also good—it's cup-shaped, easy to install and maintain, especially convenient for irregular surfaces. There's also mechanical sealing, a more advanced type used in critical engine or transmission components, offering high sealing precision but at a higher cost. If the wrong type is selected, oil leakage can occur quickly, leading to engine lubrication failure or overheating issues. I often advise fellow car owners to check their oil seals every six months for cracks or aging, especially for older vehicles where replacement needs extra caution. Choosing the right oil seal can save a lot on repair costs while ensuring driving safety.
