Freudenberg-NOK's Second-Generation PTFE Engine Oil Seal Offers Total System Cost Savings

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Nov. 22, 2004 -- Freudenberg-NOK has begun production on its second-generation polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) engine oil seal -- a uniquely designed innovation that offers substantial improvements and cost savings over the first generation of PTFE seals and its elastomer predecessors.

Several improvements were integrated into the PTFE engine oil seal during the design stage, including an increase in the number of grooves that force oil back into the engine, providing enhanced pumping capability. The lip design allows for reversed contact pressure, which helps eliminate contamination and leads to a longer seal life. There is also a significant improvement in the amount of lubrication under the lip, which helps to reduce friction.

"In today's business environment, customers are demanding warranty reduction and cost share agreements," said Dr. Theodore G. Duclos, chief technical officer for Freudenberg-NOK. "The improved performance of the PTFE engine oil seal -- just one example of our world-class, robust products and innovations -- allows us to confidently participate in customer warranty reduction programs and enhance customer satisfaction."

Customers will also find many other benefits from this technology. One key factor -- which is due to its distinctive design -- is that the temperature under the seal's lip is lower than the temperature of the first- generation PTFE seal. By reducing the temperature, oil carbonization on the seal surface is prevented and the life of the seal is extended.

With a new compact design, the length of the seal has been reduced by 50 percent. This gives automakers more space to integrate other functions, including sensors and encoders that can measure engine speed. In addition, depending on the engine design, there can be up to two kilograms of weight savings.

Fuel economy is also improved because there is reduced seal friction and lower torque loss, resulting in more efficient engine performance.

Another key feature is that the seal does not require an installation aid, which greatly reduces the potential for seal lip damage at the time of assembly -- a significant improvement over the first-generation PTFE seals. It can also be inspected immediately upon installation, resulting in substantial cost savings. In the past, the assembler was unable to tell if the seal was properly installed until the entire engine was leak checked, which could be very costly and time-consuming if it was done incorrectly.

"Freudenberg-NOK is considered the 'Technology Specialist' in sealing because we deliver the best innovations, time after time, to our customers," said Dave Sakata, vice president, technology for Freudenberg-NOK's Manufactured Products Group. "The second-generation PTFE engine oil seal is another example of our immense technical depth and commitment to providing the best value to the industry and our customers."

The PTFE engine oil seal can be used in a variety of applications, including poorly-lubricated, high-speed applications such as engines and pumps used in a high dust or dirt environments.

Founded in 1989, Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership is a joint venture between Freudenberg & Co. of Germany and NOK Corp. of Japan.

Freudenberg-NOK is a leader in automotive sealing and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) products and is a supplier to all automakers producing in North America, as well as all major tier one chassis and drivetrain suppliers. The company's headquarters and technical center in Plymouth, Mich. houses the most extensive supplier-operated sealing and noise and vibration testing facility in North America.

Freudenberg-NOK offers its automotive customers globally integrated products, including sealing packages for transmissions, engines, brakes, axles and steering, NVH components and packages, and all rubber, plastic and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) components for suspension, electrical and fuel systems.

The company also offers an extensive portfolio of special precision seals for the aerospace, appliance, business machine, fluid power, marine, medical, off-highway equipment and recreational vehicle markets. For more information, visit the Freudenberg-NOK website at http://www.freudenberg-nok.com/ .