| » |
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 |
Scratched or
gouged shaft |
 |
• Properly clean the shaft before installing the seal. Shafts
must be thoroughly cleaned and free from paint, shellac or cement.
Debris where the lip contacts the shaft can prevent proper sealing. |
Spiral machine
grooves on shaft |
 |
• Take note of spiral grooves on the shaft, as they may result
in lubricant leakage. |
Leakage around
seal O.D. |
 |
• Check bore surface finish and size. If the bore is only
slightly out-of-round (0.001”), use special cement on the O.D.
seal surface to offset this condition.
• Check the seal for signs of damage to the O.D. Look for dings,
large and deep scrapes or a skewed O.D. These may indicate improper
handling.
• Check the bore for scrapes, pits and other physical damage. |
Excessive
prelubrication |
 |
• Excessive prelubrication is not leakage. When too much prelubricant
is used, the excess melts and runs out. Verify this possibility before
removing a seal that appears to be leaking. |
Seals falling out
of the bore |
 |
• Check the sizes of the bore and the seal. The bore may be
too big or the seal may be too small. |
| Dry running |
 |
• Check the location of the bearing and any flanges that may
keep lubrication away from the seal. |
