Abstract: A stationary assembly for a balanced mechanical shaft seal comprises a first annular member for surrounding the shaft and attachable to the housing, a second annular member having a radial face for mating with a radial face of the rotary assembly, and third annular member between the first and second member, the arrangement being such that relative pivotal movement is permitted about a first axis between said first and second members and about a second axis at right angles to the first axis between the second and third members, such movement resulting in no axial force being exerted between the members by any spring of the stationary assembly.