Abstract: A hydraulic damper of the monotube type in which the floating piston includes a first valve allowing fluid flow from the compression chamber to the compensation chamber when fluid pressure in the compression chamber exceeds that in the compensation chamber by a predetermined amount, and a second valve allowing fluid flow from the compensation chamber to the compression chamber when fluid pressure in the compensation chamber exceeds that in the compression chamber by a predetermined amount. Provides improved high speed damping.

Abstract: A suspension strut comprising a tube substantially closed at both ends and containing fluid; a piston assembly slidably mounted in the tube and making a sealing fit therewith, the piston assembly separating a compression chamber and a rebound chamber within the tube; a piston rod attached to the piston assembly and extending through the rebound chamber and out of one end of the tube; and a rebound stop mounted on the piston rod between the piston assembly and said one end of the tube, the rebound stop comprising a substantially rigid metallic ring secured to the piston rod and an annular bumper compressible between the metallic ring and the said one end of the tube during a rebound stroke, wherein the rebound stop and/or the one end of the tube is such as to alter the normal compression characteristics of the bumper on initial contact and compression of the bumper.

Abstract: A suspension strut comprising a tube which is closed at one end and which defines a fluid chamber; a piston rod extending through the other end of the tube; and a seal providing a substantially fluid tight seal at the other end of tube between the tube and the piston rod, the seal comprising an annular main body, an outer annular lip integral with the main body and normally sealingly engaging the piston rod, an inner annular lip integral with the main body and normally sealingly engaging the piston rod, a channel portion between the outer and inner lips and open to the piston rod, and an arm portion integrally associated with the outer lip, the arm portion being engageable to pivot at least a portion of the outer lip out of engagement with the piston rod. Allows easier gas charging of the suspension strut.