INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

To obtain the best performance from any seal, it must be correctly installed.  It will not perform the required function or give the expected service life if it is incorrectly installed.

To avoid problems, the following rules should be observed:

  • Seals are not guide rings. For moving parts and supporting side loads, use a bearing or wear ring of appropriate size and material.
  • The sealing edges must be protected from damage when the seal is installed.  All sharp edges of the housing must be removed and a chamfer provided at the edge of the rod and tube.  The chamfer angle on the rod and bore should be between 15 and 30 degrees to the center line and have a minimum entry length of half the actual cross section (cs) of the seal.
  • When large radial section seals are fit into closed grooves, they are more easily installed if preheated in water to between 140 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit (60-70 degrees Celsius) and carefully manipulated to make them more flexible.
  • The clearance between the moving parts should be kept to a minimum so the extrusion gap will not cause damage to the seal.  Anti-extrusion or back-up rings which allow a larger gap to be specified are available.
  • Housing surfaces contacting the seal must not have sharp edges or peaks.They should be machined to leave them smooth.
  • Action should be taken to remove the air from the hydraulic system.  Particular attention is necessary when filling or venting the circuit.
  • Use the correct installation tools to install the seals; otherwise, damage may occur. This may not be apparent until the cylinder has been installed and is in operation.