Abstract: A sealing device primarily for sealing off a slit-shaped space between two radially extending surfaces arranged about a shaft and axially displaceable relative to each other along the shaft includes a first sleeve-shaped seal part and an elastically resilient sealing body. The first sleeve-shaped part forms together with the shaft an axially open space facing the cooperating surface. The elastically, resilient sealing body has in an uncompressed state a cross-sectional area and/or a shape deviating from the area and/or shape of the axially open space. The sealing body when subjected to axial forces causing the sealing body surface and the cooperating surface to abut each other is compressed sealingly between the axial space and the cooperating surface, thereby creating a sealing engagement against the entrance of the slit-shaped space and against the shaft.