New SKF driveline shaft seal boosts durability in extreme low temperatures and aggressive fluids

MILTON KEYNES, U.K. - May 17, 2013 - PRLog -- SKF, the knowledge engineering company, has launched a new shaft sealing solution for automotive applications that offers enhanced performance in extreme low temperatures and strong resistance to aggressive gear lubricants. SKF developed the sealing compound using a new fluoroelastomer material. The low temperature and aggressive additive package (LTAAP) fluoroelastomer seal will increase seal life in the presence of higher temperatures, aggressive gear lubes and cold temperatures as low as minus 40 °C.

Previous solutions have failed to address the combination of low temperature properties and the aggressive additive packages of some lubricating oils. By increasing reliability and durability under adverse conditions, the new SKF fluoroelastomer driveline shaft sealing solution can help original equipment manufacturers reduce warranty costs.

“SKF developed the LTAAP fluoroelastomer seal in response to growing customer demand for high durability sealing solutions that both meet warranty expectations and satisfy the need to provide flexibility at low temperatures in driveline applications,” says Paul DiLisio, Sales Director Automotive, Business Unit Sealing Solutions, SKF Automotive.

Fluoroelastomer materials are increasingly being used for shaft seals. This material was developed mainly because of the greater span of operating temperatures present in driveline applications plus the fact that automotive manufacturers increasingly use more aggressive lubricating oil additive packages. These additives reduce metal wear and friction in driveline applications such as axles, power takeoff units and rear drive modules.

However, these lubricants also adversely affect traditional elastomer seals and can lead to premature failure. SKF’s LTAAP seal uses a special purpose fluorocarbon-based synthetic rubber with wide chemical resistance and superior performance, especially in high and low temperature applications.

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