SKF
Body Seals (Automotive)
SKF automotive body seals encompass sealing components for vehicle body and closure systems that are not part of the drivetrain or engine. The primary product in this category is the gas spring seal, used in gas struts that support tailgates, bonnets, boot lids, and convertible roofs. These seals must reliably contain pressurised nitrogen gas and lubricating oil within the gas spring cylinder over the vehicle’s life, through wide temperature variations and thousands of actuation cycles. The seal prevents gas escape (which would cause the strut to sag) and external contamination ingress. SKF designs gas spring seals with low friction, long wear life, and high gas permeability resistance. As vehicles adopt more powered tailgates and active aero elements, the demand for reliable, maintenance-free gas spring seals increases.
Send an Enquiry
We'll get back to you on WhatsApp.
Trusted by Industry Leaders
Long-Life Gas Retention
Low-permeability lip designs prevent nitrogen loss over 15+ years.
Low Breakaway and Running Friction
Smooth tailgate operation with consistent support force.
Wear-Resistant Lip Materials
Polyurethane and NBR compounds for millions of cycles.
Multi-Lip Contamination Protection
Dust wipers keep road grime off primary seal lip.
Temperature Stability
Consistent performance from -40°C to +120°C.
Integrated Guide Function
Some seals also guide the piston rod, reducing side load.
Gas Spring Seal Design for Powered Tailgates
Electrically powered tailgate struts demand lower friction and quieter operation than manual struts. SKF’s advanced polyurethane gas spring seals with optimised lip contact pressure and micro-textured running surfaces reduce stick-slip noise and motor current draw, enhancing luxury vehicle refinement.
Common Gas Spring Failure Modes and How SKF Seals Prevent Them
Gas springs typically fail due to gradual gas loss past the rod seal. SKF combats this with precision-ground rod surfaces, carefully controlled seal interference, and gas-barrier lip geometries. The result is a strut that maintains its force output, preventing a tailgate that sags when cold or after years of use.