Fork Seals

[Tundra]

Anybody have some info. on fork seal change? I looked in "shop-talk" and found fork springs change, and for fluid, it refers to the manual. Buddy changed seals and their both leaking. Can this be caused from installing upside down? Too much oil?

[Misfit]

You need to change the bushings as well as the sliders along with the seals. Worn bushings will take out a new set of seals in no time.

[Gryphon Rider]

Upside down seals will cause leaking.  Too much oil...not sure.
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,1366.0.html
http://www.rattlebars.com/vtx/forktools.html
http://www.valkyrienorway.com/forksprings.html
When you're putting on the new seals, make sure you follow the manual's directions regarding covering the sharp edges of the inner fork tube with tape to prevent damaging the seals.

[Gryphon Rider]

You need to change the bushings as well as the sliders along with the seals. Worn bushings will take out a new set of seals in no time.

My slider bushings, guide bushings, back-up rings, and stopper rings were fine according to the manual so I re-used the old ones with no ill effects.  Tundra, certainly do check them, however.

[RoboCop]

I just did mine last week and noticed both legs had a lot of pitting at the bottom of the tubes where there is a gap in the cover.  I suspect the only time the seals might go that low is during re-assembly but that's probably enough to damage the seals. 
   I used fine emery cloth to smooth the pits and spread a little grease on them to help avoid damage during the fork oil fill-up portion of the rebuild.  I also re-used all the bushings etc. and had no problems afterward.

[PAVALKER]

Did you check to see if the seals were installed upside down???  I think that is the most frequent cause of leaking right after they were changed out.    I did my whole front end last year; steering stem bearings, fixed fairing brass nuts, installed progressive fork springs, new seals, new bushings etc... and I was real anal about checking to make sure I was doing the seals right..... didn't want to have to perform a "re do".  I know I have more fluid than what is called for, but a nice firm ride and no leaks.    Rides like a dream......

If you do a search, you will find some info on changing fork seals here.  There is also the manual available on line if needed.  Or PM me your address and I can send you a CD copy for the price of mailing (you should be able to download it much quicker tho).

[Scott from FL, now in Maine]

+1 on upside down install of seals. Been there, wasn't fun! 

[Tundra]

Thank you all, fast responses. Yup, upside down.
  Gryphon Rider...thanks for the links, I keep forgeting about Dag's Web-site. Dag has sure put a good deal of time and effort into his fantastic Web-site