SKF V-ring seals: profiles, sizes and part numbers

In 20 VA R, the number is the ring size, which covers a range of shaft diameters, and VA is the profile. The last letter tells you the material, so 16 VA V is the same profile in a different compound. 8 VS R and 140 VL R are other profiles whose cross-sections suit other spaces or operating conditions.

Since the ring is stretched on installation, the number in the part number may not equal the shaft diameter. Some part numbers are purely numeric, like 400050, and reveal neither profile nor size. For those, copy the full number and confirm the dimensions separately.

Because a V-ring seals axially, the face its lip runs against is as important as the shaft. That face has to be smooth, square to the shaft and at the correct distance: too far and the lip never makes contact, too close and it presses too hard and wears. When you measure, record the width from the back of the ring to the counterface.

At high speed, centrifugal force tends to lift the ring, and it may need a support to hold it in place. Since it sits on the outside, its material also has to stand up to whatever is around it, such as grease, water, heat or cleaning chemicals. If the old ring hardened or cracked, that points to the compound and is worth telling us.

Send the full part number and the quantity. Without one, give us the shaft diameter where the ring sits, the free width and a side-view photo of the seal so we can recognize the cross-section. Include the operating temperature, the approximate speed and what the outside of the seal is exposed to. If the V-ring runs next to a shaft seal, add that seal's part number too, since the two are selected together.