More on Silicone seals vs. natural rubber seals. (article for the wiki?)

[marc]

I always thought that silicone was superior quality, but when it comes to seals, it looks like you have multiple choices depending on temperature, contaminants (petrol), type of work (compression, seal, ...).

Source: http://www.elderrubber.com/material.htm

Application / Property        Silicone   Rubber
                                      rate       rate
Economy of material              3          1
Compression set resistance     2          1
Resilience (rebound)              2          1
Tear Strength                      4          1
Heat Aging Resistance           1          3
Ozone Resistance                 1          4
Resistance to Oil & Grease     3          4
Fuel Resistance                   4           4
Water Swell Resistance        3           4
Gas Impermeability              4           3
Dynamic Service / Abrasion    4          1
High Temp - standard           450      220
High Temp - Special             480       -
Low Temperature                -75        -60
Low Temperature Special        -         -


Marc.

[trumpetguy]

1 = Very Good; 2= Good; 3 = Average; 4 = Poor

[marc]

1 = Very Good; 2= Good; 3 = Average; 4 = Poor

Oops, thanks


The aim of the message is to help all those who are seeking fork seal replacement.

I could find natural rubber ones and silicon ones. Which to choose?

Looks like natural rubber is better for fork seals because they hold better abrasion and they both do not deal very well with oil.
The only positive for silicone is that it holds better ozone and heat aging.