Fork Seal Problems

[Lotsokids]

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?

[Marsh White]

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.

[pdxfj]

+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.

[racerrad8]

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

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

Randy - RPM

[carsick]

I should ride on the grass next to the road, it's probably smoother.

Or push your bike.

[andyb]

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. 

[RichBaker]

+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....

[ddlewis]

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.

[RichBaker]

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.

[Lotsokids]

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.

[Pat Conlon]

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...

[craigo]

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

[jykkeh]

Only OEM all others are shit.

[mst3kguy]

and triumph fork protectors.

[E Double]

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.