Front 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 particularly good resistance to wear,
high temperatures, and various greases containing many additives, which are
used in today's motorcycle shock absorbers.
When the shock absorber moves against the seal, relatively high friction is
generated, which in turn is amplified by the heat generated as a result of
friction and hydraulics. Such mechanical wear accelerates the aging of the
rubber seal. In addition, the chemical additives in the oils used in shock
absorbers also age the seal.
Shock absorber seals are usually made of a nitrile rubber compound, known as
NBR.
It is used not because it is the best material for the given 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 use in this field 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
ISO 9002 quality certification.
Arisil - special
seal grease
Ariete front fork seals are designed to withstand all the different
additives used in shock absorber oils. The application of front fork seals
differs from standard engine oil seals, as movement occurs up and down in
shock absorber 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) which 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 on NASA space program equipment.
Arisil grease gives the seal a longer lifespan and helps maintain elasticity
and increases resistance to chemical influences.
All Ariete front fork seal packages contain a sufficient amount of Arisil
grease for both seals included in the package.