| » |
How long has the problem occurred? |
» |
In what automotive application is the seal
used? |
| » |
Is the seal leaking from the outer or inner diameter? |
» |
In what environment is the seal used? |
| » |
What is the surface finish of the shaft? |
» |
What was used to install the seal? |
| » |
Has the manufacturing process of the shaft changed? |
» |
How fast does the shaft turn? |
| » |
Has the shaft been reworked or machined? |
» |
To what temperature was the seal exposed to? |
| » |
When and/or in what conditions does the problem occur? |
» |
What type of lubricant is being used and has it changed? |
| Symptom |
Example |
Course of Action |
Distorted seal
case |
 |
• Make sure the seal O.D. is not too large for the housing
bore. The bore diameter should not vary from the recommended size
of the seal that is used.
• Make sure the bore is not excessively out-of-round.
• Make sure that proper installation tools and methods were
used. |
Damaged seal
garter spring |
 |
• Make sure the proper installation tools and methods were
used.
• Look for excessive spreading of the sealing lip during installation.
It can damage the spring. |
Sealing lip contact
on shaft is too light |
 |
• Make sure the seal is the proper size.
• Make sure there is no excessive wear at the point of contact.
• Make sure the shaft is not too soft by reviewing the minimum
hardness specifications for existing operation conditions.
• Confirm that proper installation tools were used. If the mounting
cones and sleeves have an O.D. of more than 1/32” greater than
the shaft, the sealing lip may be overstretched. |
Seal cocked in
the housing |
 |
• Make sure that proper installation tools and methods were
used.
• Make sure that the seal O.D. is not too large for the bore.
• Check the bore for burrs, scales or chips that may prevent
proper sealing. |
Excessive shaft
wear (often caused
by abrasive dirt
or grit) |
 |
• Check exterior dust conditions, which may be too severe
for the type of seal being used.
• Ensure that sufficient lubrication is used and that there
are no coarse contaminants in the grease.
• Verify shaft hardness limits. The shaft may be too soft.
• Make sure the seal is the proper size. |
