SKF
Suspension Seals (Automotive)
SKF suspension seals serve the vehicle’s ride control and wheel guidance systems. The portfolio includes shock absorber seals and fork seals for motorcycles and bicycles. Shock absorber seals retain pressurised hydraulic oil and nitrogen gas within the damper while allowing the piston rod to reciprocate with minimal friction and zero leakage. Motorcycle and bicycle fork seals perform a similar function but also face direct exposure to road grit, water, and mud, making robust wiper functionality essential. SKF uses advanced polyurethane and elastomer materials with highly refined lip contours to achieve the delicate balance of low friction (for ride comfort and responsiveness) and long-life leak-free performance. Suspension seals are subjected to millions of cycles, high pressures, and temperature extremes. SKF’s suspension sealing solutions are widely used by vehicle OEMs, tier-1 damper manufacturers, and in the aftermarket for suspension rebuilds.
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Trusted by Industry Leaders
Low Stiction and Running Friction
Smooth damper response for optimum ride and handling.
High-Pressure Gas Retention
Reliable sealing of pressurised mono-tube dampers.
Aggressive Wiper Lip
Cleans rod of dirt, mud, and grit to prevent primary seal damage.
Long Life Materials
Polyurethane and NBR compounds resist wear and hydraulic fluid ageing.
Self-Lubricating PTFE Options
Reduce friction further and eliminate stick-slip.
Motorcycle Fork Seal Specialisation
Fork seals that handle flex, side loads, and contamination.
Shock Absorber Seals: Balancing Ride Comfort and Leak Prevention
Vehicle dampers must respond to small, high-frequency road inputs. The rod seal’s friction profile directly influences ride comfort; too much static friction (“stiction”) causes harshness over small bumps. SKF tunes its seal lip geometry and lubricating film thickness to achieve low stiction while maintaining a gas-tight seal over millions of cycles.
Fork Seals for Motorcycles and Bicycles: Managing Flex and Contamination
Motorcycle forks experience significant side loads during braking and cornering, which flex the stanchion tube. SKF fork seals are designed with a forgiving lip geometry that maintains sealing contact despite this dynamic offset. The integrated wiper lip aggressively scrapes insects, dirt, and mud from the stanchion, protecting the fork internals and ensuring consistent damping performance on and off road.