All gas springs contain a small amount of oil to lubricate the main seal and rod and provide end of stroke damping (see damping). If standard gas springs are operated and mounted in a rod up orientation, fluid cannot reach the main seal or rod which leads to excessive seal wear and reduced life. It is recommended that standard gas springs be mounted rod down at least 30 degrees off horizontal. If the application cannot accommodate rod down mounting, an oil or grease chamber should be specified. Both are optional features.
