Masterparts offers an extensive range of automotive oil seals, for sale at our branches across South Africa and in Namibia. The range includes front and rear crankshaft seals, camshaft seals and valve stem seals.
What do oil seals do in a car?
Oil seals are critical to optimal engine performance.
By creating a hermetic seal, an oil seal keeps oil where it’s meant to be, to lubricate moving parts. It prevents oil from leaking out of the engine. It also prevents dirt, dust and other contaminants from getting in.
The structure of an oil seal has a cushioning effect. It absorbs the noise and vibration of the pistons and shafts, ensuring a more comfortable ride.
Oil seals also regulate the flow of oil. By helping to maintain proper oil pressure, they play a role in preventing the engine from overheating.
How do oil seals work?
Oil seals are ring-shaped components, typically consisting of a metal ring or lip bonded to a flexible material like rubber, silicone or polyurethane. They’re used at a number of different points in a vehicle engine.
A cross-section of an oil seal, showing metal and rubber rings. Source: Miya.m via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Oil seals are designed to fit snugly over rotating shafts, like the crankshaft, camshaft and valve stems.
The flexible seal is installed against the rotating shaft. The metal lip or casing is inserted into the housing to maintain the seal.
Most oil seals have a coiled spring inside the retaining metal lip. The spring provides constant pressure on the rubber or silicone seal, to maintain an optimal seal.
Signs of a damaged oil seal
Oil seals are subject to high temperatures and abrasion. Over time, the component can wear and the seal can break between the moving parts.
An oil leak under the car is the most obvious sign of a faulty crankshaft or camshaft seal.
A damaged or worn valve seal can have a range of symptoms, including:
- excessive levels of smoke from the exhaust
- ticking or popping sounds from the engine
- a sudden loss of power
- high oil consumption
- the presence of oil on the spark plugs.
Where to get oil seals from Masterparts
Masterparts offers a range of camshaft, crankshaft and valve stem seals.
Oil seals in and around Cape Town:
Oil seals in KwaZulu-Natal:
Oil seals in Namibia:
In addition to oil seals, Masterparts supplies a comprehensive range of engine, braking, steering, suspension and electronic parts for cars. Contact us if there’s a part you need and we’ll do our best to help.
