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 .