Polaris Input Shaft Seals 2020 & older Turbo S / XPT / & all RS1

We have done a tremendous amount of real life race testing, and material testing. By far the best seals are the OEM triple lip Viton seals! 

The difference between Viton and rubber seals lies primarily in their material composition, properties, and suitability for specific applications. Here’s a comparison:

Material Composition:

•Viton Seals: Made from fluoroelastomers (synthetic rubber). Known for their high resistance to chemicals, heat, and oils.

•Rubber Seals: Typically made from natural rubber or synthetic elastomers like nitrile (NBR), silicone, or EPDM. 

Temperature Resistance:

•Viton Seals: Excellent resistance to high temperatures (up to 250°C/480°F). They also perform well in low temperatures. 

Rubber Seals: (Temperature resistance varies by type)

•NBR: to (212°F)

•EPDM: to (302°F)

•Silicone: to (435°F)

Chemical Resistance Viton Seals: Exceptional resistance to chemicals, especially with

•Fuels

•Oils

•Solvents

•Acids

Rubber Seals: Chemical resistance depends on the type of rubber. For example:

•NBR: Good resistance to oils but not to weathering.

•EPDM: Excellent resistance to water, steam, and weathering but poor with oils.

•Silicone: Moderate resistance to chemicals.

Durability:

•Viton Seals: Outstanding durability in harsh environments, including exposure to UV, ozone, and weathering.

•Rubber Seals: Durability varies; natural rubber is less resistant to weathering, while synthetic rubbers like EPDM and silicone are somewhat better.

Cost:

•Viton Seals: More expensive due to their superior properties.

•Rubber Seals: Generally cheaper.

Applications:

•Viton Seals: Ideal for industries requiring high-performance sealing, such as:

•Automotive

•Aerospace

•Chemical processing

•Oil and gas

Rubber Seals: Common in general-purpose applications like:

•Plumbing

•Food-grade uses (silicone)

•Weatherproofing (EPDM)

Choose Viton seals for high-temperature, chemical-resistant, and demanding environments.

For rubber seals (specific types like NBR, EPDM, or silicone) for cost-effective solutions tailored to less harsh conditions.

Stay away from rubber seals for your transmission applications!