Top Rear Main Seal Brands for Reliable Performance

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle's performance and preventing oil leaks, choosing the right rear main seal is crucial. With a variety of brands available, some stand out for their durability and reliability under high-pressure conditions. Companies like Fel-Pro, Mahle, and National Oil Seals have built a reputation for providing top-quality seals that are trusted by both professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts alike. To explore detailed reviews and comparisons of these brands and more, continue reading below.

Illustration of rear main seal

Best brands of rear main seal in 2025

Fel-Pro

Fel-Pro is a renowned brand in the automotive industry, particularly for its high-quality rear main seals, which have been a staple in vehicle maintenance for over 100 years. Established in 1918, Fel-Pro has evolved to become a leader in gasket sealing technologies, introducing innovative materials such as synthetic rubber and PTFE for enhanced sealing performance. Their rear main seals, available in various designs like one-piece rubber or PTFE and two-piece rubber, ensure reliable oil containment and are engineered to handle real-world repair conditions. Notably, Fel-Pro's seals are designed with features like helixes and double lip designs to direct oil back into the engine and prevent contamination. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Fel-Pro continues to be the trusted choice for automotive technicians.

ACDelco

ACDelco is renowned for producing high-quality rear main seals, often recommended for their reliability and performance, especially in high-pressure applications such as boosted cars. These seals are designed to withstand significant crankcase pressure, with many users reporting zero issues even at boost pressures of 20+ PSI. The ACDelco rear main seal is frequently praised for its durability and effectiveness, with some users noting that proper ventilation is key to preventing seal failures. The seals are made from robust materials and are designed to align perfectly with the engine components, ensuring a leak-free operation. For instance, a Corvette owner with 22-23 PSI boost reported no rear main issues using the stock ACDelco seal. You can find more details and purchase the ACDelco rear main seals from Home Depot's website.

Mahle

Mahle is often regarded as a reputable producer of rear main seals, although some users have reported issues with their older models. The Mahle rear main seal (JV1684) for Ford 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke engines, for instance, has been criticized for lacking a red coating on the ID of the wear ring, which is present in newer designs like those from FelPro. Despite this, Mahle generally produces high-quality components, and their seals are made from durable materials such as Teflon. However, user experiences suggest that the Mahle seal may require additional steps, like applying Loctite, to ensure proper sealing. Some users have reported leaks with the Mahle seal, highlighting the importance of proper installation and alignment. For more details, visit the Mahle rear main seal product page.

Victor Reinz

Victor Reinz is a highly regarded brand for rear main seals, known for its high-quality products that cater to nearly 95% of all models made in Asia and a wide range of global engine applications, including those from Toyota, Nissan, and Cummins. The brand offers a comprehensive range of over 17,000 service parts and has been a Certified Data Supplier (CDS) for over ten years, with the additional status of Premier Data Supplier (PDS). Victor Reinz products, such as the Reinzosil universal sealing compound, are designed to withstand high temperatures up to 320°C and are certified as "sensor safe." The company's innovative products and commitment to authenticity, aided by the Dana Secure Mobile App, ensure customers receive genuine and reliable parts. With interactive PDF catalogs and a global reach, Victor Reinz stands out as a trusted provider in the automotive aftermarket. For more details, visit their official news and press release page.

National Oil Seals

National Oil Seals is renowned as one of the top producers of rear main seals, known for their high-quality and durable products. These seals are designed to withstand extreme conditions, including high temperatures and pressures, ensuring reliable performance in automotive applications. With a long history of innovation, National Oil Seals has earned a strong reputation among mechanics and car enthusiasts. Their seals are often preferred for their resistance to solvents and their ability to maintain a tight seal over time, reducing the risk of oil leaks. The brand's commitment to quality and reliability has made it a trusted choice in the automotive industry.

Genuine OEM

Genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) brands are often considered among the best producers for rear main seals due to their strict quality control and adherence to original specifications. These seals are designed to match the exact requirements of the vehicle, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. OEM seals are typically made with high-quality materials and are tested to meet or exceed the standards set by the vehicle manufacturer, reducing the likelihood of leaks and other issues. For instance, OEM rear main seals for Honda D/B series engines, such as the D15, D16, B16, and B18, are known for their reliability and durability. Using an OEM rear main seal can provide peace of mind and is often recommended by mechanics and car enthusiasts.

Fel-Pro PermaDryPlus

Fel-Pro PermaDryPlus is renowned for producing high-quality rear main seals, engineered to provide a perfect seal on less than perfect surfaces, a critical feature for the repair environment. These seals, made from premium materials like fluroelastomer, ensure long-lasting performance and are designed to eliminate leak paths. For instance, the Fel-Pro BS40013 seal, constructed of fluroelastomer, is highly recommended and costs approximately $9, significantly less than the GM equivalent. Fel-Pro's rigorous testing, such as the 140-hour dynamometer test, demonstrates their gaskets retain over 85% of their compression recovery with zero leaks. This superior performance makes Fel-Pro a trusted choice among professionals. For detailed installation guidance, you can visit their technical blog on rear main seal installation.

Timken

Timken, a global leader in engineered bearings and industrial motion products, is often considered a reliable brand for rear main seals, although recent experiences have highlighted some inconsistencies. In 2022, Timken reported strong financial results, including a 10.2% organic sales growth in the fourth quarter, indicating their robust market presence. However, some users have reported issues with Timken rear main seals, such as incorrect sizing and potential outsourcing to other manufacturers like NAK. Despite these issues, Timken's overall reputation and financial performance suggest they remain a significant player in the industry. Their acquisitions and organic growth further solidify their position. For more detailed insights, check out their 2022 financial report.

SKF

SKF is a leading producer of rear main seals, renowned for its high-quality products and extensive market presence. In 2021, SKF held the largest market share in the global industrial seals market, operating in almost every region and serving over 40 global industries. The company's strong position is attributed to its diverse product portfolio, including bearings, seals, and lubrication systems, with a significant growth of 8% in organic sales in 2017. SKF's adjusted operating margin improved to 11.7% in 2017, reflecting its robust performance. The company's global network of over 7,000 distributors further solidifies its market leadership. For more detailed insights, you can explore their report on SKF's Annual Report 2017.

Mopar

Mopar, a renowned brand in the automotive industry, is highly regarded for its high-quality rear main seals, particularly for its 440 engines. These seals, often replaced using factory retainers or upgraded billet aluminum retainers, ensure reliable performance and minimal leakage issues. A small percentage of MOPAR block rear main seal retaining threads may be drilled off to one side, but this does not detract from the overall excellence of the seals. For instance, the FelPro flouroelastomer/Viton seal is a popular choice for its durability and effectiveness. Mopar's commitment to precision and quality makes its rear main seals a top choice among enthusiasts. For more details on rear main seal replacement, visit the 440 Rear Main Seal Replacement forum.