There is a British Standard laid down for the control of synthetic rubbers. BS 3574 (1989) helps to determine shelf life – for instance, Nitrile (NBR) and Polyacrylic (ACM) are Group ‘B’ rubbers and have a 7-year life, whilst Silicone (VMQ) and Fluoroelastomers (Viton®) are Group ‘C’ rubbers and have a 10-year shelf life. PTFE and Leather do not come into this category but like the others should be kept in the original packing for as long as possible away from direct light, dust, and humidity. Ozone, which can also be produced by battery-driven forklift trucks has a very bad effect on synthetic rubbers. Finally, protect the sealing lip – DO NOT hang the seals on nails, wire etc.
For quality gaskets, Victor Reinz is the place to be. The German company invented the head gasket, but today it also specialises in other types of seals, including oil seals.
The oil seal standard covers various aspects of oil seals, including material, design, dimensions, performance criteria, and testing procedures. It is important for manufacturers to adhere to these standards to ensure that their oil seals meet the required quality and performance levels.In conclusion, trailer hub oil seals and Tora oil seals are integral components in automotive and industrial machinery, providing essential sealing functions to protect critical components from contamination and ensure efficient operation. Understanding the importance of quality oil seals and their proper maintenance is essential for optimizing the performance and longevity of vehicles and machinery.