Abstract: A method of forming a seal assembly around a shaft is disclosed. The method includes (a) urging a first seal member against a second seal member so as to produce a load between a first seal face and a second seal face, (b) measuring the load produced between the first seal face and the second seal face during the urging step, and (c) securing a first support member to the shaft when a predetermined load value between the first seal face and the second seal face is attained so as to fix the relative position between the first seal member and the second seal member such that the predetermined load is substantially maintained between the first seal face and the second seal face. An associated seal assembly geometry is also disclosed.