What is a V-Ring Seal? 

V-ring seals, also known as V-seals, are all-rubber axial seals used on rotating shafts to exclude dirt, sand, liquids, and other contaminants while helping retain lubricant. The V-ring's elastic body allows it to be stretched over and grip the shaft, rotating with it while its lip seals axially against a counterface, such as a housing, bearing, washer, or stamping. It can maintain an effective seal even with considerable shaft misalignment and can accommodate out-of-round or eccentrically rotating shafts. 

As the V-ring rotates, it acts as a deflector, directing contaminants away from the sealing area. As rotational speed increases, the centrifugal force decreases the contact pressure between the lip and the counterface, helping limit friction losses and heat generation. This reduces wear and extends the V-ring's service life. At higher circumferential speeds, the lip can lift off the counterface, and the V-ring continues to protect against contaminants through its deflecting action. It can also act as a secondary seal, protecting the primary seal in heavily contaminated environments. 

Advantages of V-Ring Seals

• Ease of installation  

• Simple, reliable design 

• Excludes and deflects contaminants 

• Helps retain lubricant 

• Accommodates misalignment and eccentricity  

• Low-friction design helps reduce wear and extend seal life 

• Protects primary seal in heavily contaminated environments  

Common V-Ring Seal Applications

• Electric motors and drives 

• Pumps 

• Gears and transmissions 

• Pillow block bearings 

• Conveyors 

• Material handling equipment 

• Agricultural machinery 

• Construction equipment 

• Mining equipment 

• Rolling mill equipment  

• Pulp and paper processing equipment  

• Wind turbines 

• Passenger vehicles 

• Domestic appliances 

V-Ring Seal Materials

Our V-ring seals are commonly available in 60A durometer materials, including nitrile (NBR), fluorocarbon (FKM), and Viton™. Other materials are available on request.