Mechanical seals, although small components, can have an enormous impact on safety and performance. Take, for example, the space shuttle explosion in 1986. It was the failure of an O-ring (a seal designed to keep exhaust gasses from escaping) that took the Challenger down. A design flaw made the O-ring sensitive to cold temperatures, so when the shuttle lifted off, the seals breached, allowing hot gas to escape into an external tank and explode. Sadly, the rest is history, but the story underscores the importance of seal design, engineering, and the use of proper materials in their manufacturing and installation.
Wheel-end seals
For more than 70 years, STEMCO has provided the commercial vehicle industry with best-in-class wheel seals. Wheel seals are designed to keep the wheel bearing lubricant within the wheel end and keep dirt, dust, and debris from damaging the bearings. Keep the good stuff in and the bad stuff out, as we say. Improper seal installation, faulty seal construction and the use of low-grade materials are all factors that can cause a seal to fail.
When a seal fails, it can cause damage to the bearings, facilitate wheel detachment, cause a fire, or lead to brake failure. Because a lot is riding on your wheel seal selection, here are some things to consider before you buy.
Where, how, and by whom is the seal made?
These days, there are a lot of new brands of seals in the market. On one hand, that’s great because it gives you options for finding the right seal for your needs. On the other, it gives you a bit of work to do to determine the seals’ actual origins.
To ensure reliability, you’ll want to make sure that your seal comes from a country or facility that has regulations regarding quality and safety standards. STEMCO’s processes are ISO 9001:2015 certified. ISO certifications mean an independent organization has verified that a company's manufacturing processes meet internationally recognized standards for quality and consistency, so going with an ISO certified vendor is a sound bet.
Another thing to look into is legacy and reputation. Some companies, like STEMCO, have been making seals for decades, and they’re able to put that experience into the design, engineering and manufacture of their products. STEMCO even owns patents on seal design—an indicator that the design is worth protecting.
If the seal is made by a third-party manufacturer, critical origin information may be difficult to retrieve, but it is worth knowing. With third party manufacturers, it comes down to where you are comfortable placing your trust. If you can’t find information regarding the place of manufacture, it could be a sign to look into other brands.
Speaking of third-party manufacturers, there is currently a new seal available that has been manufactured in multiple different countries by different manufacturers all since entering the market. When the manufacturer continues to change, there is very little to ensure that raw material sourcing and production methods are staying the same from seal batch to seal batch. Fleet managers who are focused on predictable, consistent performance would be wise to avoid seals with big potential for variability. Look for seals, like STEMCO’s, that demonstrate 100% consistency, containing the exact same rubber and steel formulations in every seal that we build.
In addition to the place of manufacture, see what you can learn about manufacturing materials. You’ll want to know where all of the seal's components are sourced and what materials are used in component construction. From design and engineering, to sourcing raw materials, through every step of production and testing, STEMCO seals are entirely made right here in the U.S.A.
Don't overlook warranties
While you’re looking into manufacturing information, don’t forget to check out warranties. A positive sign that a seal is built for longevity is when the manufacturer is willing to stand behind the seal’s performance. Some manufacturers, like STEMCO, offer impressive OEM and aftermarket warranty packages, minimizing the risk in your purchase. If your seal doesn’t have a warranty, you may want to move on.
In addition to warranties, look into the availability of customer support. Is there a support line you can call if you have questions regarding installation—or actually anything for that matter? Some manufacturers go the extra mile, providing accessible experts who can supply compatibility information, training and hands-on tips and other resources to help ensure customer satisfaction. STEMCO has an extensive customer support network, and we have found it quite advantageous in building buyer loyalty.
Ease and confidence in installation
Another wheel seal consideration is ease of installation. Don’t be put off if installing the seal requires a special tool. The tool, which STEMCO provides at no extra cost, typically adds to the ease and accuracy of your installation because it's designed to apply pressure evenly and accurately to the seal. Testing has shown that any seal installed by hand or by using blunt force can compromise the life of the seal or even cause wheel end damage, so be wary of those types of claims.
Another consideration regarding installation, is the use of sealant. Seals should be installed on a clean spindle shoulder without additional sealant, as it can hinder the performance of the seal. Due to that fact, it’s best to go with a seal that’s designed to be used without sealant.
What do industry experts say?
Individuals with “boots on the ground” are a great resource for information about wheel seals. Tap into this network if you can or look for seals, like STEMCO’s, that are often used on OEM equipment. Trusted name brands take the time to vet seals as they only want quality parts associated with their products.
One seal does not fit all
The last point of consideration in looking for the best seal for your fleet is to make sure your manufacturer makes a few varieties of seals. This is particularly important if your fleet consists of different types of vehicles. If you have a host of sealing options available to meet the varying demands and expectations of these individual vehicles, you can make sure you’re selecting a seal that will maximize performance and bring you value.
Safe travels
In transportation, safety is everything, and quality wheel ends seals are essential to ensuring the well being of you, your vehicle and everybody else out on the road. Take the time to vet your seal manufacturer and you’ll be rewarded with hours of uptime and fewer repairs, all of which can contribute to a healthier bottom line and safer roadways.
