Hydraulic seals prevent leakage of fluids in dynamic, linear and reciprocating motions. The most important characteristic of hydraulic seals is its capacity to adapt itself spontaneously and automatically to the working conditions, maintaining a constant sealing efficiency with minimum wear and friction.

Many hydraulic seal manufacturers offer seals suitable for common industrial equipment. You can choose a suitable hydraulic seal from a range of hydraulic seals such as hydraulic piston seals, hydraulic cylinder seals, hydraulic shaft seals, hydraulic oil seals and hydraulic rod seals.

Some important parameters you must consider before purchasing hydraulic seals are:

1. Shaft outer diameter or hydraulic seals’ inner diameter
2. Housing bore diameter or hydraulic seals’ outer diameter
3. Speed of stroke
4. Operating temperature
5. System pressure and media

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy hydraulic rod seals from reputable manufacturers

Once you understand your requirements, evaluate standard hydraulic sealings available on the market.

I recommend: Maxx Hydraulics provides a variety of standard and metric seals for various industrial machines and equipment. They also supply hydraulic oil seals of standard and metric sizes ranging from 1/4" to 40". EPM, Inc. is a reputable manufacturer and distributor of a wide range of hydraulic cylinder seal kits and hydraulic oil seals. HPS Hydraulics also offers an extensive selection of hydraulic seals and seal kits.

Buy a specialty or customized hydraulic seal

If standard hydraulic seals are not suitable for your application, opt for a customized hydraulic seal.

I recommend: James Walker Group, which has excellent research and development facilities and production capabilities can design, test and manufacture custom seals for many hydraulic applications. HydraPak Seals, Inc. is another supplier that can offer customized hydraulic seal kits as per customers’ requirements.

Purchase hydraulic seals from distributors or retailers

At retailers' websites, you can compare products from various hydraulic seals manufacturers based on product features and prices. Ask for a discount if you are buying in bulk.

I recommend: All Seals can supply custom molded designs for oil seals in any material and in virtually any shape or size. You can buy hydraulic seals for aerospace and military applications from Valley Seal Company, an authorized distributor for Parker Seals and Coors Tek. If you need a hydraulic pump seal, check out the products offered by SSB Tractor, a reputable distributor of tractor parts.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The most common reason for seal failures is improper installation. Hence, it is important to ensure cleanliness and to protect seals from nicks and cuts while installing them. Opt for an expert's help for seal replacements and installations.
• •  The surface finish is very important when it comes to obtaining excellent sealing performance, a low friction and a good seal life.
• •  Check working pressure for hydraulic seals, as high working pressures leads to seal extrusion.