Oil seals

Oil seals

Always renew oil seals which have been removed from their working location either as an individual component or as part of an assembly.

Ensure the surface on which the new seal is to run is free of burrs or scratches. Renew the component if the original sealing surface cannot be completely restored.

Protect the seal from any surface which it has to pass when being fitted. Use a protective sleeve or tape to cover the relevant surface.

Certain oil seals are coated with a protective wax and must be fitted dry unless stated otherwise. Where an oil seal needs to be lubricated prior to fitment, lubricate the sealing lips with a recommended lubricant before use to prevent damage in initial use. On dual lipped seals, smear the area between the lips with grease.

Use the recommended service tool to fit an oil seal.

If the correct service tool is not available, use a suitable tube approximately 0.4 mm smaller than the outside diameter of the seal.

Press or drift the seal in to the depth of its housing, with the sealing lip facing the lubricant to be retained if the housing is shouldered, or flush with the face of the housing where no shoulder is provided.

Service tools and garage equipment

Special service tools have been developed to facilitate removal, dismantling and assembly of mechanical components in a cost effective and practical manner without causing damage. Some operations in this Manual cannot be carried out without the aid of the relevant service tools.

Where specific garage equipment is required for diagnosis and repair, reference should be made to the Service Tools and Equipment Programme where details of the equipment recommended by Rover Service may be found.

Synthetic rubber

Many ’O’ rings, seals, hoses, flexible pipes and other similar items which appear to be natural rubber, are in fact, made of synthetic materials called Fluoroelastomers. Under normal operating conditions this material is safe and does not present a health hazard. However, if the material is damaged by fire or excessive heating, it can break down and produce highly corrosive Hydrofluoric acid which can cause serious burns on contact with skin. If skin contact does occur:

• Remove any contaminated clothing immediately.
• Irrigate effected area with a copious amount of cold water or limewater for 15 to 60 minutes.
• Obtain medical assistance immediately

Should the material be in a burnt or over-heated condition handle only with seamless industrial gloves. Decontaminate and dispose of gloves immediately after use.