I want to see if I can source standard seals from on-line bearing suppliers to replace Ford ones. Catalogue OD and thickness are self-evident but what does the ID of the seal refer to - is it shaft size, seal dimension unfitted, shaft size plus a tolerance?
I keep being amazed how little I know! But someone on here will.

i cant remember now, but i read it recently on one of the online bearing shops, they had a full description of what the codes mean. Was one of the first links on google, sadly i didnt save it.

Hi, the sizes are housing size shaft size and width also there are variants like double lip seals an ones where the seal lip is inset also type of material. most seals will have the sizes on them eg 37 47 6.
hope this helps
Ray

Why not just get the Ford ones? Or are they silly expensive?

I've used these a few times and they've always been very good.

http://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/index.html

This is what they say about the seal dimensions.


What bore diameter should my oil seal have?

The required inside diameter of an oil seal is the same as the shaft size it will be running on. (the seal manufacturers make allowance for the seal to be a snug fit on a shaft)

If you can supply us the bore, diameter and width you require we can locate the seal for you and send you a link to it.

+1 for Simply Bearings HTHRay

Brilliant, Thanks for all the replies. Answers to your questions above -
I searched the Simply Bearing site but missed completely the link that would have answered my question - doh
I'm a lazy git and hate shopping so if I can order things on line and Pete the postie shoves them through my letterbox - perfect.
I'm a tight git so if I only want 1 seal I don't want to buy the whole set. On the same theme I object to paying as much for postage as the seal costs! Simply Bearings is great in that respect with a fixed cheap cost of postage.
Thanks again.