SKF
Radial Shaft Seals
Radial shaft seals, often called oil seals or lip seals, are the most widely used type of power transmission seal. They consist of a metal case, a flexible sealing lip (usually with a garter spring), and an outer covering of rubber or metal for press-fitting into a housing bore. The lip forms a thin film of oil between itself and the rotating shaft, preventing leakage and keeping contaminants out. SKF radial shaft seals are available in countless sizes and designs, from standard small-bore seals for electric motors to large-diameter seals for heavy industrial applications. The range includes seals for general industrial use, heavy-duty variants for high contamination and temperature, cassette seals for very severe environments, and special low-friction seals. Their correct specification is paramount to the reliability of pumps, gearboxes, transmissions, and rotating machine elements. SKF’s broad product line ensures a drop-in, high-performance seal for almost every rotary application.
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Trusted by Industry Leaders
Standard and High-Performance Options
NBR general purpose, FKM for high temperature, HNBR for harsh oils.
Hydrodynamic Lip Designs
SKF Flex seals pump oil back toward the sump for zero leakage.
Multi-Lip Variants
Dust lip protects primary lip from contamination, extending life.
Metal-Cased and Rubber-Covered
For different thermal expansion and chemical resistance needs.
Spring-Retained and Springless
Spring for high-speed radial force; springless for grease or low friction.
Simple Press-Fit Installation
Reduces downtime during maintenance.
Selecting the Correct Radial Shaft Seal for Your Bearing Arrangement
Match the seal to the shaft diameter, housing bore, shaft speed (m/s), and lubricant type. For oil-lubricated bearings, a single lip seal with garter spring is standard. For greased bearings, a double lip seal or V-ring may be better. SKF’s Seal Select tool guides this choice by inputting a few key parameters.
Shaft Surface Finish: The Critical Factor in Seal Life
Even the best seal will fail quickly on a worn or rough shaft. SKF specifies a ground finish of Ra 0.2-0.8 µm, free of lead marks and rust. Using an SKF wear sleeve restores a damaged shaft to perfect sealing surface quality in minutes.