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General Category => Maintenance => Topic started by: Lotsokids on May 12, 2011, 12:17:19 PM

Title: Fork Seal Problems
Post by: Lotsokids on May 12, 2011, 12:17:19 PM
I replaced my fork seals about 6 months ago, but now they are both leaking again and I just noticed it is dripping oil on my front tire. NOT GOOD. Most of the roads I ride on here are extremely rough, so maybe that's what blew them out. I should ride on the grass next to the road, it's probably smoother.

Does anyone have a preference of type or brand?
Title: Re: Fork Seal Problems
Post by: Marsh White on May 12, 2011, 12:25:06 PM
Sounds to me like you didn't replace them with OEM seals...that is the problem.  ALL OTHERS ARE SHIT!  OEM is the only way to go.
Title: Re: Fork Seal Problems
Post by: pdxfj on May 12, 2011, 12:30:27 PM
+1 to what Marsh says..

Also what I do is use some 1000+ grit sand paper with some WD40 and gently sand off rough edges around nicks in the tubes.  Much less chance of them cutting up new seals.



Title: Re: Fork Seal Problems
Post by: racerrad8 on May 12, 2011, 12:34:13 PM
Quote from: Lotsokids on May 12, 2011, 12:17:19 PM
Does anyone have a preference of type or brand?

Like Marsh said the O.E. seals are the best. The seals I sell are the NOK brand, the supplier to Yamaha and the exact same seal; http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AForkSealKit (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AForkSealKit)

Also, if you have wear in the fork bushings then they will cause the seals to fail prematurely so here is your option for that as well; http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AForkR%2FBKit (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AForkR%2FBKit)

Randy - RPM
Title: Re: Fork Seal Problems
Post by: carsick on May 12, 2011, 05:56:26 PM
Quote from: Lotsokids on May 12, 2011, 12:17:19 PM
I should ride on the grass next to the road, it's probably smoother.

Or push your bike.
Title: Re: Fork Seal Problems
Post by: andyb on May 12, 2011, 07:55:47 PM
Quote from: pdxfj on May 12, 2011, 12:30:27 PM
Also what I do is use some 1000+ grit sand paper with some WD40 and gently sand off rough edges around nicks in the tubes.  Much less chance of them cutting up new seals.

Up and down, not around and around. 
Title: Re: Fork Seal Problems
Post by: RichBaker on May 12, 2011, 07:57:20 PM
Quote from: pdxfj on May 12, 2011, 12:30:27 PM
+1 to what Marsh says..

Also what I do is use some 1000+ grit sand paper with some WD40 and gently sand off rough edges around nicks in the tubes.  Much less chance of them cutting up new seals.


I've always used an Arkansas stone....
Title: Re: Fork Seal Problems
Post by: ddlewis on May 12, 2011, 08:13:38 PM
sometimes it's just a piece of grit and you can slide something thin in there and clean it out and it will stop leaking.  something like film negative (if you can find it), a real thin feeler gauge or some kind of laminated plastic card.  If you've been on a lot of gravel roads worth a shot before taking them apart again.
Title: Re: Fork Seal Problems
Post by: RichBaker on May 12, 2011, 08:18:10 PM
I cut a piece out of one of those plastic boxes they use to package so many things with now, use it to clean out under the seal lip... same shape as the thing Motion Pro sells.

(http://www.motionpro.com/images/items/08-0395.jpg)
Title: Re: Fork Seal Problems
Post by: Lotsokids on May 12, 2011, 11:21:25 PM
Quote from: carsick on May 12, 2011, 05:56:26 PM
Quote from: Lotsokids on May 12, 2011, 12:17:19 PM
I should ride on the grass next to the road, it's probably smoother.

Or push your bike.

LOL... That's awesome!

Thanks everyone for the advice! I will try to clean it out and see what happens.
Title: Re: Fork Seal Problems
Post by: Pat Conlon on May 13, 2011, 03:00:43 PM
I've found that fork seals last longer with a fork brace and a bug shield...and fender tabs don't crack....just so ya know...
Title: Re: Fork Seal Problems
Post by: craigo on May 13, 2011, 04:09:43 PM
Quote from: Pat Conlon on May 13, 2011, 03:00:43 PM
I've found that fork seals last longer with a fork brace and a bug shield...and fender tabs don't crack....just so ya know...

I concur this.  With a fork brace, the bottom sliders move in unison, causing little to no flex on the fender tabs.  Also makes the bike more stable around the corners.  Great invention, the fork brace.

CraigO
90FJ1200
Title: Re: Fork Seal Problems
Post by: jykkeh on May 14, 2011, 05:27:44 AM
Only OEM all others are shit.
Title: Re: Fork Seal Problems
Post by: mst3kguy on May 14, 2011, 09:54:13 AM
and triumph fork protectors.
Title: Re: Fork Seal Problems
Post by: E Double on May 14, 2011, 10:09:09 AM
Quote from: craigo on May 13, 2011, 04:09:43 PM
Quote from: Pat Conlon on May 13, 2011, 03:00:43 PM
I've found that fork seals last longer with a fork brace and a bug shield...and fender tabs don't crack....just so ya know...

I concur this.  With a fork brace, the bottom sliders move in unison, causing little to no flex on the fender tabs.  Also makes the bike more stable around the corners.  Great invention, the fork brace.

CraigO
90FJ1200

Now if they would just become available so I can purchase one I too would be able to agree with this statement.