Timken SL260056 Engine Camshaft Seal - Front or Intake (Front)

Timken SL260056 Camshaft Seal Overview

The Timken SL260056 engine camshaft seal is built for front and intake (front) applications on select Ford and Mercury vehicles. It helps retain oil at the camshaft while keeping dirt and other contaminants out of the engine sealing area.

Compatible with 1995-2004 Ford and Mercury applications, including Ford Escape, Ford Focus, Ford Escort, Ford Contour, Mercury Cougar, and Mercury Mystique, this seal is a direct-fit service part for common front camshaft sealing needs.

Key Features

• Precision sealing design helps control lubricant loss and block contaminant entry
• Reinforced outer case helps reduce installation damage and improve durability
• Ribbed rubber inner diameter helps seal minor spindle imperfections and promote seating
• Internal contamination exclusion system helps keep debris away from the seal lip
• Vent holes help circulate lubricant around the seal lip to reduce heat build-up
• Timken SL260056 is engineered for front and intake (front) camshaft seal applications

Detailed Description

Timken SL260056 is an engine camshaft seal designed for Ford Escape, Ford Focus, Ford Escort, Ford Contour, Mercury Cougar, and Mercury Mystique applications across the 1995-2004 model years. It is used in front and intake (front) positions where a reliable seal is needed to maintain proper engine oil control.

This part cross-references Monroe Shocks & Struts (e.g., 172286, 182286) for the same application. The seal’s reinforced construction, ribbed inner diameter, and contamination exclusion features support consistent sealing performance in service environments where heat, debris, and shaft wear can affect the sealing surface. Timken SL260056 is a practical replacement choice when servicing a leaking or worn camshaft seal on these vehicles.

What It Helps Address

• Oil leakage at the camshaft seal area
• Contamination entering the sealing surface
• Heat-related seal wear from lubricant breakdown
• Minor spindle or shaft surface imperfections
• Sealing issues during front camshaft service on Ford and Mercury engines

Installation Notes and Tips

Confirm the vehicle year, make, model, and seal position before installation. Inspect the camshaft sealing surface for wear, scoring, or debris, and clean the area thoroughly before fitting the new seal. Proper alignment during installation helps prevent lip damage and ensures the seal seats evenly.

For fitment reference, this part fits 2001-2004 Ford Escape, front; 2000-2004 Ford Focus, front; 2000-2003 Ford Escort, intake (front); 1999-2002 Mercury Cougar, intake (front); 2000 Ford Contour, intake (front); and 1995-2000 Mercury Mystique, intake (front).

Quality Assurance

Timken manufactures sealing components with precision-focused designs and durable construction features intended for demanding engine service conditions. Part number SL260056 is built to support dependable sealing performance in the listed Ford and Mercury applications.