Wipers & seals for MTB suspension

Wiper seals: what they do for your fork and shock

Wiper seals (dust wipers) are located at the top of the suspension fork casting: they keep dirt and water out and lubrication oil in. At MTB-Raceshop, you will find wiper seals from SKF and PUSH Industries, Öhlins service kits, and seal kits for shocks.

Seals are wear-and-tear parts and should be replaced at the latest during a lower-leg service. Below you will find a comparison of the types, the correct sets based on stanchion diameter, and tips for replacement.

Which seals are available? The types compared

Dust wipers

The visible seal at the top of the casting. Modern wipers combine an outer dust lip and an inner oil lip in one part; a tension spring presses the lip against the stanchion. You need two per fork.

Foam rings

They sit under the wiper, are soaked in oil, and lubricate the stanchions with every stroke. When changing seals, you replace them too – for Öhlins 38 mm, they are also available individually.

Crush washers

Compression and sealing washers on the foot bolts at the bottom of the casting. They must be replaced every time they are removed to prevent oil leaks: our crush washersmade of POM or aluminium.

Service kits

Complete sets for a service step: Öhlins casting kits with SKF seals, air spring and coil kits for RXF and DH forks, as well as the seal kit for the Vorsprung Luftkappe.

Shock seal kits

The WPS Performance Seal Kitscontain all seals for servicing RockShox Super Deluxe and Deluxe, FOX Float X2 and DH X2, Marzocchi Bomber CR, and Cane Creek Kitsuma.

Wiper seals by stanchion diameter

The stanchion diameter is the first step, but the manufacturer, model, and model year are decisive. We stock these wiper sets:

• 32 mm: FOX 32 (SKF from 2016, PUSH), RockShox SID, Reba, RS-1, and others (SKF 32 mm RockShox), RockShox 32 from 2015–2019 (PUSH).
• 34 mm: FOX 34 (SKF from 2016, PUSH), Öhlins RXF34 and RXC34 (chassis kit).
• 35 mm: RockShox Pike, Lyrik, Yari, Domain, and BoXXer up to 2023 (SKF 35 mm RockShox, PUSH).
• 36 mm: FOX 36 (SKF from 2015, PUSH), Marzocchi Bomber Z1 from 2019 (SKF), Öhlins RXF36 (casting kit with SKF).
• 38 mm: FOX 38, RockShox ZEB, Domain 38, and BoXXer from 2024 (SKF 38 mm, PUSH), Öhlins RXF38 and DH38 (casting kit with SKF).
• 40 mm: FOX 40 (SKF, PUSH) and Marzocchi Bomber 58 (SKF).

The same diameter does not mean the same seal: FOX 32 and RockShox 32 require different sets, as do FOX 32 before and from 2016. The exact model list can be found on every product page.

SKF, PUSH, or original: how do wipers differ?

Original seals from FOX or RockShox are sufficient for regular service. SKF Dual Compoundcombines two rubber compounds with an open tension spring, while PUSH Ultra Low Frictionrelies on molybdenum-filled material and a double seal lip. According to the manufacturers, both produce less friction, allowing the fork to respond more smoothly. The PUSH set includes two wipers, foam rings, and crush washers.

Changing seals: DIY or lower-leg service

To change them, remove the casting, pry out the old wipers without damaging the seat, and press the new ones in straight. Soak the foam rings with oil, add lubrication oil according to the manufacturer's specifications, and install new crush washers.

To ensure the wipers sit straight, use a driver tool sized for the stanchion: the PUSH Fork Seal Installation Toolfrom 32 to 40 mm or the Öhlins seal installation tool for 34, 36, and 38 mm.

Don't feel like dealing with oil and tools? During our lower-leg service, we clean and inspect the lower legs and replace the seals and oil. Ask us if you want SKF or PUSH wipers installed during this process.

Everything for the lower-leg service

Frequently asked questions about wiper seals

What are wiper seals?

Wiper seals, also called dust wipers, are located at the top of the suspension fork casting and enclose the stanchions. They wipe away dirt and water during compression and keep the lubrication oil inside the lower legs. Two are installed per fork.

Which SKF wipers fit RockShox?

SKF Dual Compound is available for RockShox with 32 mm (SID, Reba, RS-1, and others), 35 mm (Pike, Lyrik, Yari, Domain, BoXXer up to 2023), and 38 mm (ZEB, Domain 38, BoXXer from 2024). Check the model year in the list on the product page. More on the SKF brand page.

When should I change my suspension fork's wipers?

At the latest during the lower-leg service, which RockShox recommends every 50 riding hours. Replacement is required sooner if an oil film or ring of dirt appears on the stanchion, the seal lip is torn, or the fork's responsiveness is noticeably worse.

Do I need special tools to install the dust wipers?

For a straight fit, a driver tool matched to the stanchion diameter is recommended. You also need oil and grease as specified by the fork manufacturer, new crush washers, and a torque wrench for the foot bolts.