Because wheel bearings are performing so much work, after driving for thousands of miles, they can wear out. Constant revolutions paired with the weight of the vehicle causes wear to even top of the line bearings. In older cars, wheel bearings were a set of narrow roller bearings on a non-drive wheel or a straight bearing that supports the axle of the drive wheel. Vehicles today, however, are equipped with a sealed unit bearing that is bolted or adhered to the hub or knuckle. The unit is sealed to keep contamination out and prevent premature wear and cannot be serviced. This can also be a drawback as they cannot be cleaned or greased. Once the unit is worn, the whole bearing and sometimes the hub must be replaced.

Each issue has its own telltale signs of trouble. Here’s what to look out for and how to tell the difference between a wheel alignment or wheel bearing:

Sealing faceflange

FeaturesType DO Mechanical Face SealsRing MaterialHardened steel or cast ironElastomerNBR, FKM, HNBRAssemblyAxial preload necessaryLoadSuitable for high loadSpeedTolerates high speed

Selecting between these two types rests on understanding the exact requirements of your application regarding alignment tolerances, media exposure, pressure constraints, temperature ranges, and rotational speeds. Both types strive to minimize leakage and enhance operational lifespan whilst operating under given specifics their designs are intended for.

At Sun Devil Auto, we can help improve your ride from bumpy or crooked to smooth and comfortable. If you notice tire wear, just had your tires replaced, or your vehicle is pulling in either direction, bring your car to our ASE Certified Technicians. Our alignment machines are of superior quality and make aligning your wheels quick and easy. If your alignment is in order and you suspect a wheel bearing has failed and requires replacement, our technicians have the knowledge and know how to replace them and get you back on the road.  Stop spinning your wheels looking for quality auto care when you can choose Sun Devil Auto for all your automotive needs!

Sealing facecar

Enter your email address and we'll email you a digital version of this coupon that you can present on your mobile device at your Sun Devil Auto Shop.

Mechanical face seals, integral components for maintaining integrity in rotating equipment, come primarily in two distinct types: Type DO and Type DF. Each one is crafted with specific design features to cater to a variety of working conditions and applications.

Rotaryfaceseal

The function of these mechanical face seals is to retain lubricants, exclude contaminants, and maintain pressure differentials between internal components and their surrounding environment. A consistent operating condition is maintained by balancing the heat generation because of friction at the seal faces with appropriate cooling methods.

In conclusion, mechanical face seals are essential components in a myriad of industrial applications where reliability, efficiency, and the integrity of sealing systems against fluids and contaminants are critical. Our in-depth understanding of seal design, material compatibility, and application-specific requirements enables us to offer tailored solutions that maximize performance and longevity. We encourage you to leverage our expertise to enhance your operations. Visit our website for detailed information on our products and services or contact us directly to discuss how we can meet your unique needs with precision-engineered sealing solutions. Your success is sealed with our commitment to quality and innovation.

MechanicalFaceSeal design

Sealing facetypes

Type DO Mechanical Face Seals are typically used in conditions where there is aggressive media in the environment, or where there are high loads and speeds involved. The structure of DO seals includes a metal ring that serves as the rotating element, and an elastomeric ring which provides the static sealing. This combination ensures robust performance even under harsh conditions.

Mechanical sealface

The effectiveness of a mechanical face seal relies heavily on its ability to maintain a thin film of lubricant between the sealing faces, even under varying pressures and temperatures. This lubricating layer minimizes friction and wear while enhancing seal performance. Without adequate sealing provided by mechanical face seals, industrial and automotive sectors would struggle with frequent maintenance issues and reduced operational reliability.

Camber has to do with the vertical slope or angle of the wheels. The camber may be off if the wheels are positioned at an incorrect angle on the road. Toe has to do with the direction in which the wheels are rolling. All four wheels must roll in the same direction simultaneously. Caster refers to the balancing angle in relation to the vehicle’s weight and steering. Similar to a bicycle’s front and forks protruding forward. Too much or too little caster makes controlling the vehicle much more difficult and may cause the vehicle to drift. When a technician performs an alignment, the vehicle is hooked up to an intuitive machine and takes measurements on the position of each wheel. The results will provide details on the current alignment and what adjustment or repairs may be needed to put the suspension back to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Mechanical face seals are precision-engineered devices designed to provide a leak-proof sealing solution in rotating equipment, such as pumps and compressors. They consist of two annular, flat-faced rotating rings that are pressed against each other through spring force and fluid pressure to create a tight seal. The primary components include a pair of rings with precisely machined sealing faces—one rotating with the shaft and the other fixed to the housing—and various secondary components like springs, O-rings, or bellows that apply the necessary preload force to maintain contact between the seal faces.

Purchase a set of four Firestone All Season tires to be eligible for a $50 reward card by mail. Pay for the purchase with your CFNA credit card to be eligible for an additional $50 reward card. Certain restrictions apply. See store or firestonerewards.com for complete details. Valid 1/1/25 to 3/31/25

Type DF Mechanical Face Seals, on the other hand, are designed for applications where there are extreme misalignments or deflections in the operational machinery. They have built-in capabilities to compensate for such inconsistencies ensuring a tight seal throughout their use. DF seals incorporate two metallic seal rings that interface with an angled face profile instead of being parallel as seen in Type DO.

Some restrictions apply. CLICK here for complete details.

Purchase a set of four qualifying Goodyear tires to be eligible for up to an $80 reward card by mail. Certain restrictions apply. See store or goodyear.com/rebates for complete details. Valid 1/1/25 to 2/28/25

Sealing facemeaning

Wheel bearings is a set of steel balls that are held together by a cage and a metal ring called a “race.” Their purpose is to help the wheels spin and reduce friction. Bearings are positioned on a metal axle shaft within the hollow metal piece in the center of the wheel, also known as the hub. The hub is the apparatus that holds the lug nuts used in bolting the tires to the wheel. They are required to hold the weight of the vehicle while traveling over all terrains as well as accept the parallel forces of corners all while permitting the wheel to spin at thousands of resolutions per minute. Because of their proximity to the road, they must be sealed units to keep road dust, debris, and water out.

Sealing facefor metal

IndustryApplicationFunctionConstruction & MiningExcavators, BulldozersResist abrasives; maintain axle & gearbox integrityAgricultureTractors, HarvestersPreserve internal cleanliness; maintain lubricationIndustrialConveyors, Mixers, PumpsPrevent leaks; sustain pressureAutomotiveHeavy Trucks (Wheel Hubs), Final DrivesProvide durability under variable conditionsMarinePropulsion SystemsCounteract seawater corrosionEnergy ProductionWind Turbines, Hydroelectric PlantsProtect shafts from environmental exposure

Their performance relies heavily on material selection for both the stationary and rotary rings—common materials range from carbides to ceramic or metallic options depending on service conditions such as temperature extremes, corrosive media exposure, and anticipated wear rates. Advanced surface technology might also be applied to enhance durability and reduce friction coefficients.

FeaturesType DF Mechanical Face SealsCompensation CapabilityHigh tolerance for misalignmentsRing MaterialStandard options similar to Type DOElastomerDesigns utilising various elastomersAssemblySelf-aligning with angular displacementApplicationIdeal for oscillating movements

These integral components serve critical roles in ensuring stability and longevity of machinery while optimizing operational efficiency by reducing maintenance requirements and preventing costly downtime due to leaks or failures.

Some restrictions apply. CLICK here for complete details.

Alignment refers to the geometry of the entire suspension system. The system is comprised of control arms, steering components, and mounting points designed to fit in exact places. Perfect geometry is vital to ensure all four tires work together, meaning they need to be able to rotate in the same direction at the same speed. Once parts of this system fall out of place, even slightly, the alignment of the suspension is changed. Poor alignment can result in accelerated tire wear or damage. Due to the vulnerabilities of the metal components in the make-up of the system, hitting potholes or curbs can change the shape, pushing the alignment out of place. Additionally, joint components and rubber bushings deteriorate making them ineffective.

A mechanical face seal is an integral component used in various types of machinery and equipment to prevent leakage of fluids and protect against contamination ingress. These seals are designed to maintain contact between two faces, one rotating with the shaft and the other stationary with the housing, thereby creating a barrier that controls fluid transfer.

Containment: They keep fluids (liquids or gases) within the system contained, preventing leaks that could lead to environmental contamination, safety hazards, or loss of valuable process media. Protection: Face seals safeguard internal components from external contaminants such as dust particles, water, or any abrasive materials that might compromise system integrity. Life Extension: The use of face seals extends the lifespan of machinery by reducing wear and tear on components due to exposure to hostile environments or corrosive substances. Efficiency Maintenance: By ensuring tight sealing, these seals help maintain the efficiency of hydraulic systems and pumps by preventing pressure drop which can have significant impacts on performance.

Riding in a car or truck should be a smooth, seamless feeling. Yet, over time with wear, hitting curbs, and driving on a variety of terrains can throw off the suspension and change the feeling of the ride. Sometimes a simple alignment is all you need but not always. A bad wheel bearing can have similar effects that poor alignment produces. Know the difference between wheel alignments and car wheel bearings and how each can be resolved to restore your comfortable ride.

When a vehicle receives an alignment, a technician will check three different angles of the vehicle’s alignment in order to properly align the wheels. These three angles include: camber, toe, and caster.

Mechanical face seals stand as a critical component in the realm of engineering, designed to maintain system integrity and ensure the flawless operation of machinery across various industries. These precision devices are pivotal in preventing fluid leaks and controlling environmental contamination. The intricate design of mechanical face seals allows them to withstand extreme pressures and temperatures, while tackling the challenges posed by dynamic operating conditions.

Trust your local Sun Devil Auto to get your car running right with over 40+ years of complete auto-care