Topic: 1974 CB550 Suspension Leak

[Leveh]

I bought this 1974 CB550 the other day. There were no leaks or anything for the first day or two. Went to sleep and woke up this morning to find this puddle of oil beneath my suspension. The leak is coming from the bottom of the front left boot. Both of the boots need to be replaced as they have some cracks. I've attached some pics for clarification. I estimate it took about 10 hours for this puddle to form. I'm assuming it's some sort of broken seal but I don't know much about motorcycle mechanics, but I'm trying to soak up as much information and learn as much as possible. I'm pretty positive it wasn't leaking when I bought it from the PO and it's entirely possible that it happened during transport. It was in the back of a truck for about an hour or so and the ratchet straps that were securing the bike were compressing the front suspension a decent amount. Could this have caused the leak? Is this a relatively easy fix or will I have to take it to a shop? (I will probably do this anyways just to get the entire bike looked over).

Where the leak is coming from:

Size of the puddle:

[phil71]

fork seal's on its way out. the good news is, that if it's leaking, its not empty, and therefore less dangerous than an empty one.
Forks are always under some load, and that'll push fluid up, normally the seal is there to stop it from coming out. If you stored it on the center stand, you may not get the puddle, because there's less pressure of weight on the forks, but that doesn't mean the leak is gone.
this is a pretty good generic example of how it works,   http://www.dansmc.com/forks.htm

and how they're changed. As for how big a job.. you'll have to be the judge. No matter what, always do both if you take it apart. Good luck! (nice bike!)

[Mcwilliams570]

Its not too hard to do like the person above said replace them both. Here is a link on how to do it..http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=94419.msg1051147#msg1051147. Not a bad video to help you out..

Matt

[Leveh]

fork seal's on its way out. the good news is, that if it's leaking, its not empty, and therefore less dangerous than an empty one.
Forks are always under some load, and that'll push fluid up, normally the seal is there to stop it from coming out. If you stored it on the center stand, you may not get the puddle, because there's less pressure of weight on the forks, but that doesn't mean the leak is gone.
this is a pretty good generic example of how it works, and how they're changed. As for how big a job.. you'll have to be the judge. No matter what, always do both if you take it apart. Good luck! (nice bike!)

Thanks. I couldn't help but pick it up, for $1300 I think it was a steal.

Its not too hard to do like the person above said replace them both. Here is a link on how to do it..http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=94419.msg1051147#msg1051147. Not a bad video to help you out..

Matt

Awesome video, looks pretty simple, thx for the link. I guess from now on I should search the project forum, didn't think to search that section.