Leaking fork on 3CV

[Dazza57]

Hi all, haven't been here for quite some time, but I have a problem that I could do with some of your advice. I recently had the fork seals replaced by a local shop. I gave them the forks without the emulators, springs, washers etc, but left the damper rod in. When I got them back I filled with oil and reassembled them, put back on the bike and left it. About an hour later I came out to find the RHS fork had been leaking oil, which I traced to be coming from the small screw at the bottom back that engages with the damper rod, I am guessing for alignment. I am not familiar with the internals of the forks, but when I removed the screw, it was slightly bent. The screw was in tight and the washer was also intact.

I am wondering whether something is loose inside to cause the screw to get bent, and whether some type of loctite product will fix the leak?

So I would appreciate any advice, as I want to eliminate any internal issue prior to fixing the leak.

Cheers, Dazza

[oldktmdude]

   G'day Dazza, that screw was probably bent when the allen head damper bolt was being unscrewed with it still in place. It should be removed first.
You are correct about the screw being a locater for the slot in the end of the damper rod. From memory, I think there should be an "o" ring on the screw
to seal it, I could be wrong but I'm sure someone will know for sure.
   Regards, Pete.

[RPM - Robert]

Oldktm is correct, the dampers are keyed at the bottom to allow that longer screw to go in and be used a a positioning key. There is a plastic washer there as well, one on each of the small screws. If he had them completely apart, hopefully he put the hats in the proper way. They will install either direction but only work properly one direction.

Here is what you need for the washer Fork Leg Drain Screw Washer

We regularly see those screws damaged or crushed in the bottom under the damper. We replace them with these Fork Leg Drain Screw (Allen Head) when using the RPM Fork Valve

For others who still have the damper adjuster rod going into the damper rod then you will need to keep that and keep them keyed as it is hard to know what adjustment position the lower damper is set too if they are not keyed and aligned with the top markers.

[Dazza57]

Thanks Pete and Robert. So if I replace the locator screw and washer all should be good? I don't want to put oil back into the fork and have the same thing happen again.

Could anything be damaged inside when the locator screw was bent, should I check further before reassembling?

Cheers again. Dazza

[oldktmdude]

   Daz, it's unlikely anything inside would be damaged by the screw misalignment. Before screwing the locator screw back in
you should make sure that the slot in the bottom end of the damper rod is aligned with the screw position. If it's not, you will
bend the spigot on the end of the screw again. Check it's alignment by inserting something like a very small phillips screwdriver
or scriber into the screw hole and see how far in it will go. If it only inserts about 6mm or so the slot is not aligned and if it inserts
a lot more, you are good to go.
   Regards, Pete.

[Dazza57]

Thanks Pete, and if they are not aligned, what do I need to do?

Cheers, Dazza