is a radial shaft seal primarily used in automotive and industrial applicationsto retain lubricants like oil and grease while excluding contaminants. It is most commonly used as atransfer case output shaft sealin 4WD and RWD vehicles.
Automotive Applications
In the automotive sector, this seal is frequently used to prevent fluid leaks from the rear output shaft of the transfer case. It is compatible with several older domestic truck and SUV models from the 1970s and 1980s:
Chevrolet & GMC: Used in K10, K20, and K30 pickup trucks and Suburbans, particularly those equipped with theNew Process 203transfer case.
Dodge & Plymouth: Found in Ramcharger, Trailduster, and W-series (W100, W150, W200, W300) trucks.
Ford: Common in F-100, F-150, and F-250 models with New Process transfer cases.
Industrial Applications
Beyond the automotive industry, the SKF 21061 is used in general power transmission and industrial machinery. According toMotion Industries, typical industrial applications include:
Gearboxes and Speed Reducers: To maintain internal lubrication levels.
Electric Motors: Protecting internal components from dust and moisture.
Pumps and Rollers: Sealing rotating axles against media leakage.
Agricultural and Construction Equipment: Used in wheel ends and axles where dirt exclusion is critical.
Key Design Features
The 21061 belongs to SKF’sCRWA1series, which incorporates several specialized features for performance:
WAVE Lip Design: This design features a sinusoidal motion that acts as a pump to push lubricant back into the machine. According toSKF, this reduces heat generation by up to 30% and friction by 20% compared to standard designs.
Dual Lip Protection: Includes a primary sealing lip with a carbon steel garter spring and an auxiliary "dust lip" to prevent external contaminants from reaching the main seal.
Metal Case: Features a steel case withBore Titecoating, which helps fill small imperfections in the housing bore for a more secure fit.nL