One of the most common causes of lip seal failure is damage that occurs during

• A. Installation
• B. Operation
• C. Maintenance
• D. Cleaning

Answer: (A)

Lip seals depend on a pristine sealing edge that stays intact against the shaft. If that edge is damaged during installation—nicked, torn, or forced in with burrs or sharp tools—the defect becomes a leak path as soon as the system is pressurized or in motion. A damaged lip can’t seal properly, and lubrication can’t fully compensate for that flaw, so the seal fails early. Proper installation practices, including inspecting surfaces for burrs, using appropriate tools, and seating the seal squarely with proper lubrication, help prevent this common failure mode. While wear or damage can occur during operation, cleaning, or maintenance, those issues usually develop after the lip has already been compromised during installation.