Patent ID: 6173961
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: B62D,F16J

Abstract:
A seal assembly for use in a power steering system having a housing which at least partially encloses a reciprocatable shaft, said seal assembly comprising:an inner side which is exposed to hydraulic fluid pressure during operation of the power steering system;a base connectable with the housing;a flexible lip extending from said base and engageable with the reciprocatable shaft, said flexible lip having a circular line of minimum diameter prior to installation of said seal assembly in the power steering system; andan annular spring disposed in engagement with a side of said flexible lip opposite from said line of minimum diameter, said spring having a circular central axis which extends around a portion of said flexible lip and which is axially offset from a plane containing said line of minimum diameter of said flexible lip in a direction toward said inner side of said seal assembly prior to installation of said seal assembly in the power steering system.