What the FORK.... SEALS?

[asfltdncr]

I've read about the fork alignment and that improper alignment can cause fork seal leaks.  That being said, I've had my fork seals replaced (can't vouch for work quality).  First one side leaked, then the other.  I put the bike on a lift and removed tire, fender, etc.
I don't see any fork oil after several days whereas when assembled, I would see oil accumulating and dripping on floor.  Would this be fairly normal without any load on the forks not to leak or is the relieving of the fork misalignment that haulted the leak?

[Pete]

Re-leaving fork alignment may help, also removing the weight of the bike setting on the folks can cause it to stop. Even stopping riding it will stop the leak (usually not an option).

Neither is usually a fix, generally speaking once it starts to leak it continues until new seals are installed.
Just my 2 cents worth, although anything is possible.

Saw one one time that had quite leaking, because it ran out of oil.

Good luck, Pete.

[Steve K (IA)]

I would "guess" that when the pressure is off the forks, that should slow down/stop the leak.  I know when mine were leaking bad, they would leak while the bike was parked.

I know misalignment  has come up not too long ago.  I would think that coming from the factory, the alignment should be good.  The only way I can think of forks being misaligned, would either be some sort of unintended force to the forks/front wheel...accident or whatever, or, when changing fork seals or springs both legs being removed at the same time.  When I worked on mine, I removed and replaced the legs one at a time so I'm pretty sure I haven't gotten mine out of whack. That is if they where aligned to begin with.

[Daniel Meyer]

I would guess the seals were improperly installed and/or the bushings need replaced as well as the seals.

[Skinhead]

If the seals are put in upside down, they will leak, don't ask how I know this....

[Ricky-D]

Re-leaving fork alignment may help, also removing the weight of the bike setting on the folks can cause it to stop. Even stopping riding it will stop the leak (usually not an option).

Neither is usually a fix, generally speaking once it starts to leak it continues until new seals are installed.
Just my 2 cents worth, although anything is possible.

Saw one one time that had quite leaking, because it ran out of oil.

Good luck, Pete.

The forks being inverted will never ever leak out all the oil/fluid.

To keep replacing the seals without replacing the bushings is futile in the attempt to stop oil/fluid leaking.

Any time you remove the front wheel,or change the position of the clamped part of the shocks (like rotate) you risk having a leak due to the possibility that the specific alignment of the shock parts have been disturbed and now will wear a new pattern thus allowing for leaks to begin.

I myself have stopped giving in to this foolishness of constant changing of the seals and such and now after a summer of riding and shocks leaking, making a mess that always needs cleaning: find there is no more mess. The shocks leak no more oil/fluid and still work excellently.  Screw the oil/fluid - evidently it has only a minimally affect to the shock operation, there's still enough oil/fluid within the shock so it still is very smooth in operation and I see nor feel any degradation of control, nor of operation.

I guess there will be safety nannies now saying how dangerous this is and I'm taking my life in my hands. I ride a motorcycle. Of course I'm taking my life in my hands!

***

[Pete]

"because it ran out of oil" does not equate to "WILL NEVER EVER LEAK OUT ALL THE........".

All leaks are not caused by bushing wear, as a matter of fact most that I have see are caused by improper installation, seal imperfections and nicks or dings in the tube sliding through the seal. Most of the time a new seal fixes it, if the tube is also fixed when needed. Of course there are always exceptions like slightly bent tubes and wear.

Your bike, your money, your choice. Good luck,  Pete.