Seal assembly with a retainer having locking protrusions

Abstract

A radial lip seal assembly includes an annular seal including annular case coupled with an outer member and an annular elastomeric seal member attached to the case and including a sealing lip. An annular sleeve includes a cylindrical portion disposed about a shaft and has an outer circumferential engagement surface engaged by the sealing lip, a radial flange extending from one axial end of the cylindrical portion and an annular pocket formed adjacent to the radial flange. An annular retainer is coupled with the sleeve and engageable with the seal case to prevent axial separation of the seal and the sleeve. The retainer has an inner radial end disposed within the annular pocket of the sleeve, an opposing outer radial end and at least one locking protrusion adjacent to the inner radial end. The protrusion(s) are engaged with the sleeve to prevent displacement of the retainer relative to the sleeve.