Freudenberg supplying seals to ‘major’ US carmaker

Plymouth, Michigan – Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies has begun supplying radial shaft seals to a major Detroit-based car maker for its latest pick-up trucks and SUVs.

The unit, which runs Freudenberg Sealing Technologies in Americas, announced 15 Jan that the lightweight BlueSeal systems would be installed on V6 and V8 engines.

The seals are part of Freudenberg’s low emission sealing solution (LESS) portfolio of products.

The company claims that the seals provide “significant weight, friction and installation advantages” over traditional radial shaft seals.

The system, according to Freudenberg, is 40% lighter than conventional radial shaft seals and requires 50% less space to install.

It is made of a single material – a steel-reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) – which is designed to withstand harsh engine fluids while providing an axial space reduction.

Under the contract with the carmaker, Freudenberg-NOK will produce more than 2 million BlueSeals annually.

The company expects production to increase further to more than 4 million units annually with orders from additional customers.

Freudenberg pursues a “dual product development strategy” that supports both internal combustion powertrain applications and new technologies that such as lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells.

The BlueSeal, it claims, offers system benefits in both areas.

“The automotive industry is undergoing profound transmission and driveline changes,” said Jeff Nelson, vice president, automotive sales, Freudenberg-NOK.

“It is our job to provide… solutions that address the needs of all mobility platforms regardless of the fuel they use,” he added.