fluid leak on front suspension

[noles059]

I have a 1997 Tourer w/ 26k miles and have noticed a slight fluid leak (hydraulic?) on both front fork slides.  Could this be due to a possible bad seal or do I need to replace front suspension?

Many thanks!
sj

[Fudd]

Sounds like a bad fork seal.  There is plenty written here on the subject if you just search the topic.  It is a job that is do-able yourself.

[Ricky-D]

Yep, if you have done nothing but ride the bike, then you can be sure the seals are starting to fail.

There have been some posts on a foil trick to help allay the problem when it is foreign matter lodged in the seal that is the cause of the leak, but since both are experiencing leaking it would more than likely be they are simply wearing out, more due to age than miles and under-utilization sure plays a part also.

If it isn't very bad, cleaning it up would be Ok, since leaking shocks are pretty common and it is not a major problem that will keep the bike from being road worthy and they will still perform well even with less oil.  There are those that will predict the end of the world if you follow this advice.

Repairing the shocks are not a real intensive job, but some special tools are necessary along with making some tools from everyday stuff you can buy at the local hardware.  A fair amount of mechanical aptitude is necessary to perform the job in order to have a successful outcome.

If you have your local shop perform the task, be sure to get a good warranty on the work they perform.

***

[98valk]

just had same problem w/28k

use the film trick.

remove the wheel and the chrome fork shields. then do the film trick. worked for my forks

[blkvlk777]

I did this 2 years ago on my 99 valk.   I did try the film trick to remove any potential dirt / debris but it did not work.    I did a hybrid repair - I bought the shock rebuild kit on-line, removed the shocks myself and took them to a shop for the rebuild/fluid change.  

The rebuild fixed the leak problem.    You also do not want the oil to get on your brakes.  

[noles059]

Good deal.  I think I should be able to repair it on my own.  Just wanted to make sure I was barking up the right tree!

Many thanks indeed for all of the advice!
sj

[Fudd]

Here's a thread that has 4 videos to make the job easier.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,31182.0.html

[PhredValk]

If you're not replacing the springs, then you don't need any special tools except a large socket for the top caps. I have a Word doc on this that someone here sent me last year if you want it; several people have used it with success.
PM me with your E-mail.
Fred.