According to the seal experts at SKF, faulty installation is a common cause of seal failure, but the most common reason is using the incorrect seal for the application. Check the old seal and replace it with a correct seal for the application. Follow these tips:
•When replacing an old seal in an application, use the number on the old seal to identify the replacement seal. If there is no seal listed in exactly the same width, a narrower width is usually the best choice. A wider width is perfectly acceptable if space permits; however, it is often limited.
•When installing a seal in a new application, gather all measurements associated with the seal—seal bore diameter, seal outside diameter, seal width and shaft diameter.
A seal's resistance to deterioration in storage varies greatly between the different elastomers. Proper storage under conditions that minimize the effect of aging is extremely important. Exposure to ozone, ultraviolet light, radiation, heat, oxygen and moisture may cause premature deterioration over time. Seals should not be exposed to temperatures above 120 degrees F, air, light or electrical devices that could generate ozone or radiation. In addition, seals should always be stored in the box/container in which they were initially packaged. The list below presumes proper storage conditions and an estimated shelf life:
Type of lip material Shelf life
Nitrile 10- 50 years
Polacrylate Up to 20 years
Silicone Up to 20 years
Fluoroelastomer Up to 20 years
Felt Indefinite
Leather Indefinite
SKF says following these simple tips can improve seal life.