Leaking fork seal

[mbramley]

  I think I know the answers to my questions but I feel the need to ask just because of the vast knowledge in this group. I was leaving from my Dr's office for Inzane. I look down and see oil on my lower fork. There is a fair amount and getting on the rotor. I stopped at the local Honda dealer. They can't get any seals in for at least 5 days. I figure it shouldn't be ridden like this, especially as I tow a trailer. Does anyone know of somewhere I might be able to get seals quicker? How long does that job take?

[Chrisj CMA]

  I think I know the answers to my questions but I feel the need to ask just because of the vast knowledge in this group. I was leaving from my Dr's office for Inzane. I look down and see oil on my lower fork. There is a fair amount and getting on the rotor. I stopped at the local Honda dealer. They can't get any seals in for at least 5 days. I figure it shouldn't be ridden like this, especially as I tow a trailer. Does anyone know of somewhere I might be able to get seals quicker? How long does that job take?

I don’t know of a way to beat five days for ordering parts. However, one year ago I ordered all the seals and bushings to do a rebuild because both we’re leaking, the right worse than the left. So I did the  sealmate clean out and it hasn’t leaked a drop since. I still have the parts and I am ready for the leaks to return but all is well so far.

[Jess from VA]

I ditto that a clean out of what you have may very well stop leaking for months at a time.

I did this multiple times for a few years until I got Big BF to do the proper job for me.  Total loss over that period was not that bad and the bike rode fine, if not just a tad softer up front (one worse than the other)

The Seal Mate is nothing more than a piece of thin plastic. You really need to take the fork protectors off (10 mm wrench and 1/4" 10mm socket), then pull down the dust covers, and work the Sealmate past the seal in a sawing action around each fork.  It will leak more while doing it so tie a rag around it below the work.  2-3 times each side, then bounce the front end/forks some sitting on the bike.  Clean and replace parts.  Done

Most of the time, it's just crud and grit has got under the seals letting oil out (and clean-out solves it).  If an actual chunk of the seal has come out (rare) cleaning will not do it.



Something like this can easily be made from a milk jug (or something) as a makeshift.  The Sealmate itself is so thin, once oil gets on it it is hard to hold it while working (nitrile gloves help).

The Seal Doctor is much better, but you'd have to wait for delivery.  Unless some local bike shop has them or lets you use theirs.

[Valkorado]

I can vouch for the Seal Doctor.  Great thing to have in your saddlebag.  It really works, and has saved me from rebuild$ a couple times now.  Hope I didn't just jinx myself.     Just make sure you follow directions and pull down the dust seals first, and bounce the forks enthusiastically when you're done.

[mbramley]

 Thanks everyone. I made a makeshift seal cleaner out of a pop bottle. so far looks promising. I'm going to take it for another test ride in the morning. I may be at Inzane yet. Also ordering seal mate or seal doctor tonight.

[Valker]

Thanks everyone. I made a makeshift seal cleaner out of a pop bottle. so far looks promising. I'm going to take it for another test ride in the morning. I may be at Inzane yet. Also ordering seal mate or seal doctor tonight.

Good, I hope it works well. I rode with a leaking seal for two years just tying a red shop rag around the slider. It held all the oil leaks which never got on the brakes. Yes, I was just being lazy.

[mbramley]

  Thanks again, I don't see any oil leaking. Heading out for Inzane this afternoon.

[HB53]

Sealmate worked for me!