Topic: Question about "leak-proof" fork seals

[Frankencake]

Do they live up the their name?  I have never used them on the advice of an old timer.  As a rule of thumb, I usually don't go against the word of an old timer, but lately I have been thinking outside the box.  I like to avoid the "believe me now or believe me later" speech (I love saying that to people just to watch them squirm) especially when I have to say it to myself. 
What are the thoughts on these seals?

[BobbyR]

When my 78K sprung a leak I put in a set of those and they lied. I got 3 year put of them, I polished the tubes etc and they first started putting rings on the forks and finally leaked. I put in a set of OEM Hondas 3 years ago and no rings no leaks. Some may have had better luck than I , but I hate doing things twice. 

[vanillagorilla]

I had issues with those seals @ a shop I worked at in Phx. Boss kept looking @ us like we weren't doing the job right... New supplier, no more leaks...

[andy750]

Leak proof seals worked for me - 8 years and 40,000 miles cant be too bad  . However nothing is ever leak proof so dont expect miracles 

[MCRider]

Leak proof seals worked for me - 8 years and 40,000 miles cant be too bad  . However nothing is ever leak proof so dont expect miracles  

My experience likewise good. But I used airforks, which these seals are up to, and the air does seal up the seals more than without.

Advantages: push fit, no driving them in. Lifetime guarantee. Less stiction.

Does a company stay in business 35 years selling crap continuously?

Often a "bad batch" serves to give an undeserved reputation to an otherwise good product.

OCICBW  YMMV

[the architect]

I had total crap luck with Leak Proof's Pro-Moly fork seals.  After spending so much time and effort on my build, the seals leaked almost from day 1.  Contemplated what to do for a couple of weeks, while *hoping* maybe the seals would come around or seat or something.  I got OEM Honda seals from my dealer and couldn't be happier.  The Leak Proof's were kind of sloppy in their fit, for me, with too much room above and below the seal - kinda made them "float". 

I'm not a subscriber to the "100% OEM mfgr only" mindset.  I used a healthy mix of Honda and aftermarket on my bike, but I'll never use anything other than Honda fork seals.

[MCRider]

I had total crap luck with Leak Proof's Pro-Moly fork seals.  After spending so much time and effort on my build, the seals leaked almost from day 1.  Contemplated what to do for a couple of weeks, while *hoping* maybe the seals would come around or seat or something.  I got OEM Honda seals from my dealer and couldn't be happier.  The Leak Proof's were kind of sloppy in their fit, for me, with too much room above and below the seal - kinda made them "float". 

I'm not a subscriber to the "100% OEM mfgr only" mindset.  I used a healthy mix of Honda and aftermarket on my bike, but I'll never use anything other than Honda fork seals.

Sorry to hear of the bad experience.

THe marketing materials indicate  that they do "float", that is the term they use, and it is designed in. The push fit, vs a press fit, is also designed in.

I'm using them in my current project, hope they don't leak.

[Johnie]

If they have to advertise it as "leak proof" it probably will leak. I have replaced tons of seals and mine do not say leak proof...they only say Honda. Never had to replace a new set yet.

[BobbyR]

No matter what brand of seal you use it is mandatory that you polish the forks. Pis and small scratches will make any seal leak. The rule is, if you can feel it with your fingernail it will cause a leak in time. Polishing the forks with progressively finer grit sandpaper with ATF as a lubricant works very well. You just use a strip of the paper like shoeshine rag.

[Johnie]

No matter what brand of seal you use it is mandatory that you polish the forks. Pis and small scratches will make any seal leak. The rule is, if you can feel it with your fingernail it will cause a leak in time. Polishing the forks with progressively finer grit sandpaper with ATF as a lubricant works very well. You just use a strip of the paper like shoeshine rag.

True...excellent point Bobby!!!