Struggling with oil leaks, dust intrusion, or short-lived seals? It might be time to switch to a skeleton oil seal—a trusted solution in high-speed and high-pressure systems.
Skeleton oil seals provide enhanced shaft sealing with internal metal reinforcement, extending service life and performance.
Read on to learn what they are, how they work, and how to choose the right type for your machinery.
What makes a skeleton oil seal different from a standard seal?
Unlike regular rubber seals, a skeleton oil seal includes a metal insert that reinforces the sealing structure.
This “skeleton” helps maintain lip pressure and positioning even under misalignment, pressure, and rotation.
Also known as radial shaft seals, they combine flexibility from rubber (NBR or FKM) with the strength of steel—ideal for motors, pumps, and gearboxes.
Looking for high-strength applications? Explore our TG4 Skeleton Oil Seal with dust lip protection.
What types of skeleton oil seals are available?
There’s no one-size-fits-all in dynamic sealing. Each application requires a tailored design.
| Type | Structure | Dust Lip | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| TG4 | Double-lip with dust lip | ✅ | Motors, pumps, gearboxes |
| TC | Double-lip with metal shell | ❌ | Standard industrial use |
| K-Type | Compact profile | ❌ | Narrow housing, space-limited areas |
| Split Type | Open-style, easy install | ✅ | Field repairs and maintenance |
Our TC Skeleton Oil Seal is ideal for standard rotation sealing without dust interference.
Which materials are used in skeleton oil seals?
Rubber alone isn’t enough. Material choice defines durability and performance.
| Material | Full Name | Properties | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBR | Nitrile Rubber | Oil-resistant, affordable, -40°C to +120°C | Motors, compressors, low-temp |
| FKM | Fluoroelastomer | Heat & chemical-resistant, -30°C to +200°C | Gearboxes, engines, high-temp |
Our FKM Seals are ideal for chemical and thermal extremes. NBR fits general industry needs.
Where are skeleton oil seals commonly used?
Skeleton oil seals are standard in:
- Electric motors
- Hydraulic pumps
- Automotive crankshafts
- Gearboxes
- Industrial fans and blowers
Need guidance? Our Oil Seal Cross Reference Chart helps match OEM parts like National and SKF.
How do I choose the right type?
Use this checklist to avoid mismatches:
| Factor | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Shaft Diameter | Must match seal’s inner diameter |
| Housing Bore | Fit outer diameter tightly |
| Speed Rating | NBR ≤15 m/s, FKM supports higher speeds |
| Temperature | Use FKM above 120°C |
| Media Resistance | FKM needed for fuel/solvent exposure |
| Dusty Conditions | Use types with dust lips (TG4, Split) |
For tough environments, we recommend the TG4 double-lip design with NBR or FKM rubber.
Conclusion
Skeleton oil seals combine durability, stability, and high sealing integrity. The right type ensures reliability across electric, hydraulic, and rotating systems.
Request Custom Sizes or Bulk Supply
We offer OEM, split-style, and dual-lip variants for all sectors.
📩 Email: [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: +86 17622979498
Related topic
Oil Seal Guide: Top 5 Tips for Reliable Ops (2025)
High-Temperature Sealing: How to Prevent Failures in Extreme Conditions?
How to Identify the Right Oil Seal by Part Number or Size?
EN 
BN 
AR 
CS 
DA 
DE 
EL 
EO 
ES 
IT 
FR 
PT 
ID 
JA 
RU 
ML 
RO 
VI 
UK 
TR 
TH 
KO