Fork seal
Ariete seals - quality and durability.
Ariete's high manufacturing quality matches their unique
manufacturing material – a carboxylated elastomer rubber compound known as
XNBR
This unique rubber compound has excellent resistance to wear,
high temperatures, and various additives contained in lubricants used in
today's motorcycle forks.
When the fork moves against the seal, relatively high friction is
generated, which is further amplified by the heat generated from friction
and hydraulics. This mechanical wear accelerates the aging of the rubber
seal. Additionally, the chemical additives in the oils used in forks also
age the seal.
Fork seals are typically made from a nitrile rubber compound, known as
NBR.
This is used not because it is the best material for this
application, but because it is widely available and very cheap.
Over 50 years in the rubber industry, after several years of
research and testing, Ariete engineers have concluded that XNBR rubber
compound is currently the best for this application in terms of wear
resistance and chemical resistance.
| TEST |
Standard
|
NBR
|
XNBR
|
| Tensile Strength (PSI) |
ASTM D412
|
2130
|
3270
|
| Abrasion Resistance % |
ASTM D1630
|
210
|
590
|
Although the price of XNBR material is almost twice as expensive as
NBR, thanks to Ariete's modern manufacturing technology and
distribution policy, their price range is very competitive compared to
products from competitors using NBR rubber compound. Thanks to this, the
Ariete buyer can enjoy the benefits of a very high-quality and
technologically modern, yet affordably priced product. As an additional
guarantee of product quality, Ariete holds the ISO 9002 quality
certificate.
Arisil - special seal grease
Ariete fork seals are made to withstand all the different
additives used in fork oils. The application of fork seals differs from
standard engine oil seals, as movement occurs up and down in fork seals.
Due to this movement, the wear on the seal is many times greater than
that of a standard engine oil seal.
In addition to the special rubber compound used in the seals,
Ariete has selected a special grease (Arisil) that is applied to the
inner surface of the seal during installation to minimize seal wear, aid
in seal 'break-in', and reduce stiction.
This grease is manufactured in the USA and was originally intended as a
lubricant for rubber/metal components in NASA's space program
equipment. Arisil grease gives the seal a longer lifespan, helps maintain
elasticity, and increases resistance to chemical influences.
All Ariete fork seal packages contain a sufficient amount of Arisil
grease for both seals included in the package.