| | | Mike O'Neill
O'Neill Public Relations
11 Byron Lane
Yardley, PA 19067
phone 215-428-1114
fax 215-428-1122
Dana Corporation Announces
Improved Outrunner® Wheel Seals
KALAMAZOO, Mich., Nov. 18, 2003 - Dana Corporation's (NYSE: DCN) Commercial
Vehicle Systems Division is now offering an upgraded version of the popular
Outrunner® seals. The new design improves seal life and performance, while also
reducing wheel-end maintenance costs. The upgraded Outrunner® seal includes a
new outer diameter feature, which employs a hybrid combination of rubber and
metal to make the seal more robust against misalignment during the wheel-end
handling and installation processes.
The new design will be available on Dana Spicer® 20,000- to 26,000-lb.
single-drive axles, 40,000- to 52,000-lb. tandem drive axles, 10,000- to 14,600-lb.
steer axles, and 20,000- to 26,000-lb. trailer axles by the end of the year.
The seals are completely interchangeable with the current Outrunner®
full-rubber OD seals and will be integrated into all OE and aftermarket seals.
Benefits of the upgraded Outrunner® design include:
· Improved seal retention increases robustness during handling and
installation.
· Greatly reduces "spring-back" of seal in hub bore, which improves abuse
resistance and assists in the elimination of seal misalignment - providing
longer wheel-end life and increased uptime.
· Superior sealing of smooth bore finishes results in contaminant
prevention and improved performance.
· Ability to seal rough surface finishes eliminates the impact of
environmental issues during installation - creating a long-term performance advantage.
· Outrunner® installation tools and procedures provide for easy
installation, resulting in more time on the road.
"Building on 10 years of proven seal performance in the industry, this new
and improved Outrunner® seal further reduces installation variables that can
cause leaks while retaining premium sealing performance," said Jason Altwies,
product planning analyst for Dana. "This is consistent with our commitment to
identifying opportunities for product improvements through the use of technology
that result in better product performance and increased customer
satisfaction."
Outrunner® seals have demonstrated continued market growth in the industry
for both OEM and aftermarket use over the past 10 years and are the standard
seals specified on Dana Spicer LMS™ (Low Maintenance System) hubs for steer,
drive, and trailer axles. Dana Spicer LMS hubs significantly reduce wheel-end
maintenance on heavy-duty vehicles. Outrunner® seals are either standard or
optional on the majority of Class 8 trucks and trailers manufactured in North
America.
Outrunner® is a registered trademark of Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership.
For more information on Outrunner® wheel-end seals and other Roadranger®
products and services, visit the Internet at www.roadranger.com, or write to
Roadranger Marketing, P.O. Box 4013, Kalamazoo, Mich. 49003. To reach a Roadranger
right now, dial 1-800-826-HELP (4357) in the U.S. and Canada. In Mexico, dial
01-800-826-4357.
The Roadranger® Solution is an unbeatable combination of the best drivetrain,
chassis and safety components from Dana Corporation and Eaton Corporation,
all backed by the Roadrangers - the most experienced, most expert, and most
accessible drivetrain consultants in the business.
Dana's Commercial Vehicle Systems Division designs, manufactures, and markets
front-steer, rear-drive, trailer, and auxiliary axles; driveshafts; steering
shafts; brakes; suspensions; and related systems, modules, and services for
the commercial vehicle market. Major components and modules are marketed under
the Spicer® brand name.
Dana Corporation is a global leader in the design, engineering, and
manufacture of value-added products and systems for automotive, commercial, and
off-highway vehicle manufacturers and their related aftermarkets. The company employs
approximately 60,000 people worldwide. Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo,
Ohio, Dana operates hundreds of technology, manufacturing, and customer service
facilities in 30 countries. The company reported 2002 sales of $9.5 billion.
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