Topic: Fork Seals

[CB500_k2]

I spent the winter rebuilding a CB 500.  I put new seals in the front fork.  The fork pipes were in good shape with no apparent dings in the chrome.  After 300 miles I found that both forks were leaking oil. Is there a proper way to insert the seals in the aluminum part of the fork?  I inserted the seal with the end of the seal with the slight taper going in first.  I am wondering if this was the proper position. Any help would be great.   

[Warlock]

Greets,
The seal should be installed with the seal lip facing upward(out). If installed improperly, upside down or damaged during installation, the seal can leak. It is important that the seal be driven into the lower fork case perfectly aligned and fully seated against the stop. If the seal is installed even slightly cocked or deformed by excessive force, it will leak. The seal lip would be angled against the fork tube causing rapid wear and elongation. If the sealing lip is damaged by the slightest nick, it too will cause leakage. It is important that the seal be installed using pressure only on the outer perimeter of the seal without contacting the sealing lip. If the taper you are referring to is the taper from the outer edge of the seal to the center sealing lip, it should be facing up. As a rule, seals are usually installed with the seal number facing out when used in a blind opening. Hope this helps...

[CB500_k2]

Thanks for your feedback.  I installed the fork seals with the numbers down and did not completely seat the seals. There was a chamfer on the seal on the side with numbers on it and I assumed that this was the end to go into the fork bottom case.  I drove the seals  in just enough to get the snap ring in to secure the seal.  Looks like I need to redo the seals.

[Quail "Owner of the comfortable k8"]

The oldmanhonda.com web site has great directions

[kghost]

If you have some bad spots on the forks or if you install the seals from the bottom up The following trick may help.

I take a roll of wax paper (like from the Kitchen) and put a piece around any area that may damage the seal as I am positioning it. Put a little fork oil (Automatic Trans Fluid?) on the wax paper and seal and slide it over the tricky parts.

[n9viw]

I read a great article on fixing nicks in fork tubes by super-cleaning the tube with degreaser and a brass brush, then filling the pits with JB weld, and sanding it down to level with the fork. Not a glamorous (or permanent) fix, but enough to keep you from ripping up fork seals too much.

[SteveD CB500F]

I read a great article on fixing nicks in fork tubes by super-cleaning the tube with degreaser and a brass brush, then filling the pits with JB weld, and sanding it down to level with the fork. Not a glamorous (or permanent) fix, but enough to keep you from ripping up fork seals too much.

Dig it out and we'll publish it!

[Harry]

The article referred to is on: http://www.salocal.com/sohc/tech/frkng/debur.htm

oh, and see: http://oldmanhonda.com/MC/Rforks.html