What is the throw out bearing seal material? | FerrariChat

What is the throw out bearing seal material?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by 24000rpm, Dec 16, 2022.

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  1. 24000rpm

    24000rpm F1 Rookie

    the greenish/bluish o-ring seal, what is the type of material called?
    Also, the black o-ring seal, what's the type of material called?

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  2. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Jan 11, 2001
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    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
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    Steve Magnusson
  3. wmuno

    wmuno Formula Junior
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    Dec 24, 2007
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    Wilmette, Illinois
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    Bill Muno
    Green O Rings are hydrogenated Nitrile, also known as highly saturated Nitrile, or more commonly known as HNBR. These O Rings have the green color moulded into the rubber and were introduced with the refrigerant of 134a, suitable for high temperatures and fluctuating stress loads.

    Starrting arourd 1987 when new rubber compounds were being used for O Rings, colors were added to the rubber to help identify them. Prior to that, all O Rings were black. One could not identify the type of rubber just by the color.
     
  4. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Jan 11, 2001
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    Steve Magnusson
    I'd agree that that's generally true for orings, but as this oring supplier states:

    **Disclaimer: It is never safe to assume an o-ring is a specific material based on the color alone.**

    https://www.globaloring.com/oring-colors/

    I'd add that the greenish/bluish seal in the OP's photo doesn't look like an oring round cross-section.
     
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  5. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 29, 2006
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    Tim Keseluk
    The blue/green ring is likely teflon (or a similar polymer). I'm working with some of those now. Not the easiest to work with. If anyone has some tips on installing these, I'm all ears. Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
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  6. 24000rpm

    24000rpm F1 Rookie

  7. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    26,776
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
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    Steve Magnusson
    That probably won't be so easy. Even if you get the same material (or an appropriate material) in the right size and shape, all of these elastomers come in different hardnesses from squishy to an almost hard plastic feel (so that's another thing to match up). Based on Tim's comments (and others people have posted before), I'd guess that the greenish-bluish seals would be toward the harder (less flexible) end of the spectrum.
     
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  8. Veedub00

    Veedub00 F1 Veteran
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    Jun 30, 2006
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    James
    For certain things I’m a firm believer in buying oem. This is one of those. Just pay the Ferrari tax. I went through 2 rear main seals on my testarossa before just buying one from ricambi. Bought my throw out bearing seals from them to avoid having to redo it. I’m a master at pulling the clutch housing now though.
     
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  9. John Glen

    John Glen Formula Junior

    Dec 30, 2009
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    Victoria, B.C, Can.
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    John Glen Wesanko
    I would agree. There is no benefit to trying to find an alternate if the original is available and especially for relatively inexpensive "wear and tear" parts like seals and o rings. I have been forced to make the odd gasket in my time though.....
     

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