SKF
Shock Absorber Seals
SKF shock absorber seals are precision hydraulic seals for the piston rod of automotive and motorcycle dampers. They retain pressurised oil and gas while allowing the rod to cycle millions of times. The seal package typically includes a primary rod seal (often an elastomer with a spring or a PTFE step-cut ring), a back-up ring for high pressure, and a wiper/dust seal. SKF materials include HNBR and PTFE for their heat resistance and low friction properties. The seal must withstand internal damper pressures up to 50 bar (mono-tube dampers) and temperatures from sub-zero to over 150°C near the damper body. The friction characteristic is critical for vehicle ride tuning; SKF can adjust lip design to achieve specific breakaway and running friction levels. A reliable shock absorber seal ensures consistent damping, no oil misting, and long damper service life.
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Gas‑Tight Primary Lip
Retains high‑pressure nitrogen charge and hydraulic oil.
PBR (Poly‑Butadiene Rubber) or HNBR Lip
Resists wear and high‑frequency stroking.
Multiple Seal Stack
Rod seal, back‑up ring, and wiper stack for monotube dampers.
Low Breakaway Torque
Reduces static friction for smooth initial vehicle movement.
Integrated Wiper Lip
Cleans the piston rod on each stroke to protect the main seal.
Tuned Friction Profile
Specific friction levels matched to vehicle ride tuning requirements.
The Damper Tuning Influence of Seal Friction
Vehicle ride engineers measure the damper’s force‑velocity curve. High seal friction creates hysteresis, making the damper feel harsher on low‑amplitude inputs. SKF works with OEMs to supply seals with a precise friction level that complements the damper valving, contributing to the vehicle’s refined ride character.
Monotube Damper Seal: High Pressure, High Stroke
A monotube damper operates at 20‑30 bar internal pressure. The rod seal must contain this pressure while stroking at over 1 m/s during severe road impacts. SKF’s step‑cut PTFE seals, backed by an O‑ring energiser, provide the pressure capacity and low friction required for performance and heavy‑duty monotube shocks.