The fourth generation of heavy-duty truck and trailer wheel seals has been introduced by Champ Seals. The new e-Barrier Wheel Seal, developed with installation simplicity in mind, can be installed by hand, other manufacturer’s tools or any tool that can fit the seal into the hub, according to the company.
One of the primary reasons for premature wheel seal failures is incorrect installation of the seal, the company said. The e-Barrier features 150% thicker steel than competitive seal manufacturers, ensuring that the seal can stand up to real world abuse. In addition, it has a unique ‘safety zone’ feature that allows for some distortion of the seal front face without affecting the seal performance, the maker added.
Additional benefits of the e-Barrier seal include:
• A unique low friction bumper, which ensures low seal friction from the outset. Less friction translates to a decrease in required torque and lower temperatures.
• A multi-zone labyrinth design provides the most effective protection against dirt, grit, water and ice. The combination of low profile sections, right angle corners, low friction barrier, two rubber wipers and a specifically formulated waterproof grease, to both lubricate and keep water out, ensures that this seal will perform without any “run-in” period.
According to the company, the advanced technology used to manufacture the e-Barrier seal allows cost savings of as much as 20% over other major manufacturers’ seals—and there is no tool investment required. The seven sizes currently available cover 80% of all seal usage.
