What Are Shock Absorber Seals?
Shock absorbers are a critical component of a vehicles suspension system. When your car hits a bump or pothole, it generates energy that vibrates through the suspension system. The function of the shock absorber is to absorb that energy and dampen the vibration which directly translates to a smoother ride.
That's where seals come in. Shock absorbers are full of hydraulic fluid designed to provide consistent damping performance over a wide range of temperatures and driving conditions. That's why seals are critical to a shock absorber's design: it keeps hydraulic fluid from leaking out of the shock absorber and prevents contaminants like dirt and water from entering the system and damaging internal components.
WEBINAR ON-DEMAND
The Science of Smooth: A Deep Dive into Shock Absorber Sealing Systems
Whether you're riding in a luxury car or in the cab of a bulldozer, choosing the right seal plays a crucial role in keeping your ride smooth. Watch our on-demand webinar to learn from engineering experts Richard Swanson and Jeff Olsen as they walk us through the importance of shock absorber seals in your suspension system. In this webinar, we discuss the role of sealing systems in ensuring optimal performance and longevity while showcasing Parker’s innovative technology and proven profiles that last longer under harsh conditions.
Shock Absorber Seal Options
A single shock absober system can have anywhere between one and six different seals, depending on the applications needs. A typical application has a buffer seal, a u-cup, one or two wipers and sometimes an o-ring or wear ring.
Parker offers both standard seal profiles and custom seal profiles based on each application's need.
Wipers
Rod wiper seals are used to keep contaminants such as water, dirt and mud out of the shock absorber. Parker offers a variety of wiper profiles that combine optimized geometry and high performance materials for a seal that has a long life and improved performance. Shock aborsbers can use one or two wipers, depending on the application.
Parker's preferred rod wiper profiles include:
- AY
- YD
- AD
- J
BT Profile U-Cup
- Premium U-cup rod seal
- Beveled sealing lip
- Secondary stabilizing lip in heel
- Long life, wear-resistant, extrusion resistant polyurethane
- Low compression set
- Shock load resistance
- Increased sealing performance at zero pressure
BR Profile Buffer Seal
The BR profile is a compact rod seal designed to act as a buffer seal for the primary rod seal. As a buffer seal, the BR profile provides the majority of the rod sealing performance while allowing fluid to bypass and energize the primary rod seal. As a sealing system, the BR profile and primary rod seal provide optimal performance in the most difficult applications.
- Long-wearing, buffer seal with back-up
- Premium Resilon® polyurethane
- Extrusion resistant nylon back-up ring
- Flexible static side lip regulates pressure between buffer ring and rod seal
- Slotted pedestals allow check valve-type fluid movement
- When used in combination with primary rod seal, functions as pressure spike suppressor
Zero Leak Rod Sealing Package
Standard Profile Package for Shock Absorbers
You need reliability. Fluid leakage means you can't be confident fluid power equipment is performing at its best.
Zero Leak rod sealing technology from Parker gives you confidence — and the highest performing polyurethane seal material available — enabling equipment designers to maximize performance and boost cylinder life.
Sealing Materials Based on Your Needs
Resilon® Polyurethane
Parker's patented Resilon® polyurethane seal material offers:
- High temperature polurethane in dynamic applications up to 230°F
- Up to 5,000 psi operation
- Excellent wear and rebound characteristics
- Highly resilient thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) compound offering lowest compression set polyurethane
Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR)
Parker's HNBR material offers:
- High temperature operating range of -40°F to 320°F
- Improved chemical compatibility and heat resistance over standard nitrile
- Unique formulation offers increased wear and pressure resistance over standard nitrile and fluorocarbon
Low Temp Fluorocarbon (FKM)
Parker's low temperature FKM material offers:
- Formulated for improved low temperature performance -30°F to 400°F
- Chemically compatible with most shock oils
- Improved wear resistance and compression set over standard fluorocarbons
Can't find what you're looking for? Ask our experts.
Blogs
Resources
Understanding the Role and Importance of Shock Absorber Sealing Systems
No one likes to feel every bump or pothole on the road. That’s why shock absorbers are a crucial part of a vehicle’s suspension system, as they help absorb the energy generated when a car hits a bump or pothole. How do shock absorbers work? How important are sealing systems for shock absorbers?