Topic: fork seal leaking

[eigenvector]

Since my fork rebuild I have noticed that the right fork is leaking - or rather the tube is slick with oil.  Nothing dripping, but clearly it's leaking.

My suspicion is that the spring on the seal got messed up when I drove it into the fork body.  Have new seals on order, but it wasn't what I was expecting to do so soon.  Certainly don't want to ride around with one fork undamped.

[flybox1]

bummer. 
check out that youtube video by hackaweek on fork rebuilds.  he's got some good tips.

Riding with us this Sunday?

[BobbyR]

One thing you must do is polish the fork tubes. If you can feel something with your fingernail it will cause a leak. It can be a is tedious process, but it pays off in the long run.

[Flyin900]

I have found that using Honda OEM seals rather than aftermarket ones usually has better success with seeping after a rebuild.

I checked out the hack guys rebuild tips and one thing you need to be aware of is the forks must be the same type as what he is rebuilding. If you have a later model fork that uses slider bushings just below the fork seal and down on the bottom of the fork tube where the rebound damper assy is located then a totally different procedure is required.

You would never be able to place the fork seal in the lower fork leg first like he did and still put the fork tube back into the lower leg afterwards. The slider bushings wont allow the fork tube to pass through the seal like it did in his rebuild.

[eigenvector]

It was just my technique I'm sure.  I get my parts from Honda so I don't have to worry about aftermarket imperfections.  I pulled the boot off and yes indeed it is leaking, quite a bit more than I realized actually.  Other fork is perfectly fine, but I refined my technique of putting the seal in after that first one.

Bummer indeed.

[Stev-o]

I use the old seal to drive in the new.

[eigenvector]

Yeah, that's a pretty good idea really, right size, and who cares if it gets scuffed.

It was one of those "I'm so worn out from trying to pry this old seal loose I just don't give a #@$!" and well - that's why you take a break in between jobs.

Live and learn.

And, sorry Flybox, but the only working bike I have right now is the BMW, so I won't be able to make it.

[flybox1]

Yeah, that's a pretty good idea really, right size, and who cares if it gets scuffed.

It was one of those "I'm so worn out from trying to pry this old seal loose I just don't give a #@$!" and well - that's why you take a break in between jobs.

Live and learn.

And, sorry Flybox, but the only working bike I have right now is the BMW, so I won't be able to make it.

Aight...no worries.  We might be in for a stormy weekend anyway....

[eigenvector]

Those can make for the best rides sometimes.  Bummer I'll miss it.

On a positive note, I finally got the 750 running, be getting some seat time on that rickety beast this weekend.  Trying to get the front wheel bead to seat symmetrically.

[flybox1]

Those can make for the best rides sometimes.  Bummer I'll miss it.

On a positive note, I finally got the 750 running, be getting some seat time on that rickety beast this weekend.  Trying to get the front wheel bead to seat symmetrically.

Get it sorted by sunday....weather is looking good.  Duanob, me, and 3 guys from work are going. 
Itd be nice to meet another from the forum.
Details are in the pnw thread, or you can PM me.