If oil drips from your motorcycle's oil lines, the vehicle's performance will be affected. A common cause of engine leaks is debris getting stuck in the fork seals, keeping them open and allowing oil to leak out. A motorcycle oil seal is a device used to prevent dirt, dust, water or any other foreign matter from contaminating shafts and bearings in rotating shaft equipment. In this article, we'll cover the basics you need to know when using oil seals.

1. Basic composition

Sealing Element - The sealing element forms the interior of the oil seal. Its purpose is to stop fluid from leaking between the shaft and housing. Commonly used materials are fluorinated rubber, silicone, nitrile rubber and acrylic resin.

Metal Housing – The metal housing serves as the frame for the oil seal. Its main function is to give the seal rigidity and strength.

Spring - The stop spring is a steel ring located at the end of the main sealing lip. It is used to apply pressure to the sealing lip on the shaft.

2. Rubber shell and metal shell

Metal shell oil seals are usually installed in a shell hole made of the same material. This allows the material to expand and contract evenly during operation and prevents leaks. This type performs best when used in steel enclosures.

At the same time, the rubber shell oil seal is used in situations where the metal shell seal may fail. Unlike metal housing types, these seals will not rust. They seal slightly damaged enclosures better than metal-covered seals.

3. Dust and debris

The ingress of dust and debris is one of the common causes of oil seal failure. For example, in high-pressure applications, even small deposits can create gaps in seals, causing oil leakage and dust ingress.

An effective way to ensure that particles do not contaminate oil seals is to store them in containers or sealed bags away from areas where dust and debris are common. Heavy-duty resealable plastic bags and bins are ideal for protecting shaft seals.

4. Protect the shaft

Even minor chips or dents can cause contaminants to penetrate the oil seal. If there are any scratches on the shaft, it will create a leak path, causing the lubricant to drip. To protect the shaft from damage, wrap it in a mesh rubber screen and store it vertically in the compartment. This way, it prevents potential cracking.

Hydraulic cylinder piston seals and piston rod seals

5. Correct installation

Improper installation can cause oil seal failure. When it is knocked into place, it may be tilted or misaligned in the hole. One way to identify an improperly installed seal is to check for uneven shearing of the rubber after use. If this is noticeable, make an adjustment by properly aligning the installation tool before pressing the seal into place.

Oil seals play an important role in preventing lubricant oil leakage by sealing the spaces between rotating shaft equipment components. They also prevent dirt, dust, and other contaminants from clogging the device. Installing them correctly allows engines, pumps and pipes to run more efficiently.