A spring-loaded mechanical seal having a device responsive to the torque developed between the relatively rotating sealing rings of the mechanical seal for producing a force that is applied in opposition to the spring force, thereby tending to urge the spring-loaded sealing face away from sealing engagement with the other of the sealing faces, and enabling the springloaded seal face to assume an equilibrium position that is a function of the torque. The spring loaded mechanical seal is adapted to operate in either direction of rotation. In one of the disclosed forms, the force that is applied in opposition to the spring force does not urge the spring-biased sealing ring positively away from the other sealing ring; instead, it merely allows it to move away in response to hydraulic forces.