Fork seals

[the_admiral]

Hi all,i have developed an oil leak on my front right side fork seal,can anyone give me a few tips on replacing this,do i have to take the whole leg off or can i get away with just dismantling the lower half,if so any pointers please,thanks
pete

[Bob_Roller]

If you disassemble the lower part of the fork, you only have the upper and lower triple clamps holding the inner fork tube to the bike .

I personally think it's a lot easier to work on the fork off of the bike .

Two pieces of wood and a bench vise .

I've made up a set of wood blocks from soft pine for the lower fork tube and the upper fork tube .

[Barry]

I have found it easier to work on the forks off the bike particularly when doing a full overhaul including removing the damper valve. If I was only doing the fork seals though (and I am about to again soon) I think I would just remove the lower sliders which helps to retain good fork alignment if you've already got it.

The reason I am looking at the seals is that they are leaking again only 2000 miles after being replaced and I don't think it's down to the stanchions which are near perfect.  What I intend to do is remove the garter springs and shorten them a little to see if that cures the leak. Failing that I will look for new seals from an alternative supplier.

BTW I have a friend who always shortens the garter springs on new seals before he fits them.  Seems to me it would risk excessive stiction but he swears by the practice.

[montmil]

That's two votes for pulling the entire fork leg for seal replacement.

From the other side of the aisle, I have always left the stanchion secured, removed the fork springs, then pulled off the lowers.

Monte

[Barry]

If I was only doing the fork seals though (and I am about to again soon) I think I would just remove the lower sliders

If only doing the seal I was with you Monte.

[Darwin_R65]

I changed my fork seals today.

left the forks attached to the bike, and was quite easy.

BUT I was only changing the seal. I also ran some emery cloth over the burrs created by stones on the fork leg. Sand in an up and down direction only, this stops the sharp burrs eating away the seal.

Needed three socket extensions (I use 3/8 drive sets) to get the 13mm socket on to the nut inside the fork so I could tighten the bottom damper bolt.

Not sure what others use to measure the fork oil, I went to the chemist and asked for a 50mm syringe, to measure out the 190ml of fork oil.

John

[montmil]

Not sure what others use to measure the fork oil, I went to the chemist and asked for a 50mm syringe, to measure out the 190ml of fork oil.

John

The syringe has been my favorite for a long time. Most are even marked in cc's. Bought a big one at a veterinary supply. Also have seen them at Tractor Supply.

Monte