Keep lubricant sealed in and road grime out with the SKF Manual Transmission Seal / Differential Seal 13988. It is a direct-fit replacement for the 1980-1982 Chevrolet Corvette and the 1994-1995 BMW 530i, and it is cataloged for both front and rear positions. This part is listed under both names, so you may find it as a manual transmission seal or as a differential seal.
- Rigid metal case: The body is formed from deep drawn sheet steel, giving it a stiff, stress resistant case.
- Garter spring: The spring is made from cold drawn steel wire, which SKF uses for superior fluid retention.
- Contaminant protection: Designed to provide superior protection against dirt and water.
- Tested design: Built with a high-quality, tested design and materials for correct fit.
A shaft seal stays stationary in its bore while its sealing lip rides against the rotating shaft. This holds lubricant inside the housing and helps keep outside contaminants from getting in. Signs this seal may need replacing include fluid seepage or drips at the seal area, a wet or oily housing, and a dropping lubricant level. Diagnose the leak source before replacing, because nearby gaskets and other seals can also leak.
SKF has a long history in seal design. It invented the first integrated shaft seal in 1928 and has kept developing new designs and bonding techniques since then. SKF builds its seals to specific designs using premium materials, chosen so each seal suits both its application and its environment.
Fitment: 1980-1982 Chevrolet Corvette; 1994-1995 BMW 530i. See the "Vehicles it fits" section for engine details.
Interchange: CHR 13988 · 71-13988
23211224820 · 01390225031 · 207103276 · 975913988 · 14024364 · 145813988 · X00031 · 27SS2466 · 13988CHR · 39590 · 47922 · CHR13988 · 7113988
This part cross-references / interchanges with the following part numbers:
71-13988, 23211224820, 01390225031, 207103276, 4132466100, 5330-00-564-2383, 975913988, CHR 13988, 14024364, 145813988, X00031, 13988, 27SS2466, 47922, 13988CHR, N13988, 39590
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the SKF 13988 seal do?
It seals the gap between the housing and a rotating shaft, keeping lubricant in and helping keep dirt and water out. The seal body stays stationary while its lip rides on the shaft.
Which vehicles does the SKF 13988 fit?
It is listed for the 1980-1982 Chevrolet Corvette and the 1994-1995 BMW 530i. See the "Vehicles it fits" section for engine-level details.
Is this a front or rear seal?
The catalog lists this SKF 13988 seal for both front and rear positions on the listed applications.
Why is it called both a manual transmission seal and a differential seal?
This part is listed under both names, so you may see it cataloged as a manual transmission seal or as a differential seal. Both names refer to the same SKF 13988 seal.
What are signs this seal may need replacing?
Signs include fluid seepage or drips at the seal, a wet housing, or a dropping lubricant level. Other gaskets and seals can leak too, so confirm the source of the leak before replacing.
