I have a bunch of new seals that I have not used, like a couple of rear main seals and some caliper re-build kits. I have kept them in boxes and out of the sun. They have been sitting for at least two years. Is there a limit to how long they can sit before I should not use them? I am thinking they could possibly dry out sooner without having oil or brake fluid on them to keep them lubed up. I remember a mechanic put a new transmission seal on my old VW that leaked because it was sitting on his shelf too long. I was just wondering how long is too long for these seals to sit.

 

Two years is not long enough to do any damage. They often sit on store shelfs longer than that!

If it had been sitting for 30 years in weather, i might be concerned. But 2 years in an enclosed area...you are good to go.

 

Thats what I figured, thanks for the reply.

 

Just think about how long the seals have been in your current engine and are still holding up fine. A seal on a shelf should be fine for many many years.