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PTFE is special in that a pre-tensioned spring is not required. This is because the material returns to its original shape when heated, also known as the shape-memory polymers (SMPs) effect. These oil seals are also supplied as integrated parts, where it only needs to be installed as one component.

ERIKS also supplies the types GR and GRST. These are virtually identical to the types R and RST, except in this case the metal inner ring is also completely encased in rubber. ERIKS uses FKM rubber here as standard, so these seals are ideal for use in acidic environments.

An overview of the different standard types of oil seals and their main characteristics is shown below.

Figure 4 shows the features of a JTEKT oil seal.

If you have prepared the assembly properly, then you are already largely on your way to a successful installation. The assembly of the oil seal itself is not complex. It is, of course, important that it is done properly in view of the longevity and reliability of the seal.

Modern engine oils, such as the current SG classification for gasoline engines, contain a large fraction of additives, many of which are detrimental to fluoroelastomers. The primary functions of oil-additive packages are to protect metal parts, avoid deposits in the engine, minimize oil degradation, and adjust fluid viscosity. Little attention has been paid to avoiding damage to rubber seals. Instead, elastomer producers have been expected to provide new, higher-performing products at no increased cost to auto manufacturers. Among the additives with moieties that may attack fluoroelastomers at high temperature are detergents (phenolates), dispersants (succinimides, alkylphenol amines), and antioxidants (amines, sulfides, hindered phenols).⁴ Many of these components are multifunctional, containing phenol or amine groups that can dehydrofluorinate and crosslink VDF-containing fluoroelastomers, leading to loss of elongation and eventual embrittlement. However, the rate and extent of reactions with seals are affected by many factors, including whether air is present in the system. When oil is exposed to air at high temperature, additives may undergo considerable changes. For example, a significant fraction of amines may be oxidized to amides, which have little effect on fluoroelastomers.⁵

There is a little leakage as the fluid vapors get released into the atmosphere from the faces of the seal, though. Since the quantity is hardly quantifiable, the seals are considered leak proof.

Typically used in hydraulic high-stress applications where compounds under high pressure are exposed to wear, the benefits of polyurethane seals include: 

For more severe oil-seal service at temperatures of 160°C (320°F) or higher for extended periods, more resistant fluoroelastomer compositions are required for long service life. High-fluorine VDF/PMVE/TFE elastomers, along with TFE/olefin FEPM elastomers, are much less susceptible to attack by oil additives. TFE/P fluoroelastomers have the requisite chemical resistance, but have low fluorine content, leading to relatively high swell and to soft vulcanizates with lower wear resistance than desired.