Freudenberg-NOK's Simrit Division Launches Energy-saving MileMaker(TM) Seal for Heavy Duty Truck & Trailer Wheels

PLYMOUTH, Mich., March 22 -- Offering friction-reducing and fuel-saving benefits for commercial truck and trailer customers, Simrit's MileMaker(TM) seals are being globally introduced for both OE (original equipment) and aftermarket heavy duty truck and trailer wheel and axle applications. Designed and developed by Simrit - a division of global sealing specialist Freudenberg-NOK - the MileMaker seals operate with over 50 percent less torque than competitors' seals, which can result in more than $1,000 in diesel fuel savings per commercial truck trailer combination over the life of the seal.

"Building on our many years of proven seal performance in the heavy duty industry, the new MileMaker sealing solution delivers significant energy savings and raises the performance bar for wheel seals in the heavy duty truck and trailer industry," said Tim Guzman, sales director for heavy duty truck, Simrit. "In brief, the MileMaker sealing solution is a win-win solution for Simrit's customers and the environment."

Working to anticipate customer demands, Simrit designed the MileMaker sealing solution to address key issues facing the heavy duty industry, such as higher wheel end temperatures, longer service life requirements and increased durability.

Developed using a proprietary elastomer material to withstand higher operating temperatures (up to 350 F), the MileMaker seal is compatible with mineral and synthetic oils, and grease lubricants. The integrated lathed, ground and polished wear sleeve running surface reduces friction, lowers torque and promotes cooler running for the main seal lip. The advanced main lip design geometry results in low-friction performance while not sacrificing dirt exclusion capabilities.

The MileMaker seal also incorporates special dirt exclusion fins that assist with keeping contamination away from the seal. The lubed rubber OD (outer diameter) and ID (inner diameter) design eases installation force, which results in less heat generation and increased seal life, and seals any minor hubs or spindle imperfections. The seal design has low internal torque aided by an internal lubricant, which translates to lower internal heat generation, excellent wear resistance and improved fuel economy.

The Simrit Division is based at Freudenberg-NOK's headquarters in Plymouth, Mich., and is part of the Freudenberg and NOK Group, which has total annual sales of more than $12 billion. Simrit offers an extensive portfolio of sealing solutions for the aerospace, appliance, energy, heavy duty truck, industrial, marine, mobile machinery, recreational vehicle and semiconductor markets.

For more information, visit the Simrit Web site at www.simrit.com.