Abstract: A seal is provided for a shock absorber having a housing and a piston rod partially disposed within the damping fluid in the working chamber of the shock absorber. The seal comprises a first surface engaging the housing operable to prevent the flow of damping fluid between the first surface and the housing. The seal further comprises a second surface engaging the piston rod, the second surface operable to prevent the flow of damping fluid between the second surface and the piston rod. The second surface of the seal comprises a first annular recess coaxially disposed on the second surface with respect to the piston rod, as well as a first annular lip coaxially disposed on the second surface. Finally, the second surface comprises a groove which reduces friction between the piston rod and the seal.