Development of a Unitized PTFE Heavy Duty Wheel Seal

Heavy duty truck seal applications have become increasingly demanding as physical design constraints, working temperature range, use of chemically enhanced fluids, life expectancy, and seal function expectations have grown. The seal industry has responded to these challenges by improving designs and materials in engine and transmission products. This paper describes the application requirements of the class 6, 7, and 8 truck wheel-end, and introduces a new seal design that meets these requirements. Laboratory test equipment, procedures, and results will be presented along with field data collected from a variety of truck applications ranging from over-the-road cross country delivery to short run gravel hauling in new and used tractors and trailers.