A seal carrier is provided for an ultrahigh-pressure fluid system having a plunger configured to reciprocate therein along a longitudinal axis when the ultra-high pressure fluid system is in operation, the seal carrier having an inner surface provided with a first portion configured to captively receive a seal, substantially preventing displacement of the seal in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a second portion configured to circumferentially surround a bearing. The seal carrier is further provided with an outer surface having a recess formed along at least a portion of a circumference thereof, the recess at least partially positioned opposite the first portion of the inner surface along a lateral axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.