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shavdog
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« on: July 15, 2012, 02:03:23 PM » |
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I stopped for gas on my way to a 80mile ride around the lake and noticed a small amount of oil that was actually on the side of my front tire then noticed a small amount on the front fork passenger side just behind the dust cover where the smaller part of the fork goes into the larger part...looks like a black seal might be leaking?
I don't pretend to be a mechanic although I take care of all the day to day stuff...I dont consider this day to day so I would take the bike in to the stealer...first off what do I have going on here, a seal issue and what would they recommend doing and approx how much you think in terms of money..thanks for any help...it appears tome only a one side issue...
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moreira72
Member
Posts: 176
VRCC# 33494
Clark, NJ. 07066
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« Reply #1 on: July 15, 2012, 02:23:06 PM » |
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A set of seals from Honda are about $35, and you need 2 sets, one for each fork leg. and fork oil about 48 oz. If you're doing one, might as well do both. I do my own work. I replaced my seals, and the seals on two other Valks, and a VTX. If you're in the New Jersey/New york City area, i can help you with the fix.
Paul
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« Last Edit: July 15, 2012, 02:25:21 PM by moreira72 »
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shavdog
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« Reply #2 on: July 15, 2012, 02:43:43 PM » |
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very nice Valkyrie Paul...I would take you up on your offer however I live in Minnsota...not too convenient...anyway, you provided me with good information...maybe someone from around here will chime in ...thanks again..craig..
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garyheskett All 49 x 3 st.louis
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« Reply #3 on: July 15, 2012, 02:49:16 PM » |
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Craig, Try the "film trick" first. It doesn't cost anything and only takes 5 minutes. You just take an old piece of photo film about 8 inches long, hold it vertical with the fork leg, shove half of it into the seal, go up and down with the film as you go around the fork leg. Sounds crazy, but I did it over a year ago and no leak yet. Motion Pro also sells a "Sealmate" for $5 and it works on the same principle as the piece of film.
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shooter64
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« Reply #4 on: July 15, 2012, 03:22:57 PM » |
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Craig, Try the "film trick" first. It doesn't cost anything and only takes 5 minutes. You just take an old piece of photo film about 8 inches long, hold it vertical with the fork leg, shove half of it into the seal, go up and down with the film as you go around the fork leg. Sounds crazy, but I did it over a year ago and no leak yet. Motion Pro also sells a "Sealmate" for $5 and it works on the same principle as the piece of film.
I did that with a grocery store "loyalty card" Cut with a hook shape (see youtube videos) Took 3 trys but got it stopped. |
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Columbia, S.C.
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shavdog
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« Reply #5 on: July 15, 2012, 04:34:44 PM » |
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Thats a great idea...I like free....thanks
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Deltatango
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« Reply #6 on: July 15, 2012, 05:41:10 PM » |
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Mine sprung a leak.
I've only had it for a few weeks and I love it.
It is 14 years old and has 40k on it so you have to expect some problems.
I tried the film negative trick.
I've seen it done successfully with a credit card on a dirt bike but not this time.
So, I guess I'll do the fork seals, bushings, head bearings and wheel bearings while I have it all apart. Brakes too if needed.
That way the whole front end will be like new.
It's making a clunking sound on bumps anyway.
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mklln2090
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« Reply #7 on: July 15, 2012, 07:49:57 PM » |
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I had a leak on one of my forks. Used my motorcycle lift, lifted it up and pulled off the wheel, fender and brakes. The forks are easy to take off, they slide out real easy with no problem and take in to have the motorcycle shop do the repair. I believe if you do it yourself you have to buy a special wrench to take it apart.
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Deltatango
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« Reply #8 on: July 15, 2012, 08:04:17 PM » |
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I'll go that route if the steering bearings look good.
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Colin
Member
Posts: 597
My old job
Orba, Spain
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« Reply #9 on: July 15, 2012, 11:03:29 PM » |
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I believe if you do it yourself you have to buy a special wrench to take it apart.
No special tools required if you aren't removing the springs. There are some videos on YouTube showing how to do the fork seals if you take a look. Not a difficult job if you can wield a spanner.  |
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sandy
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« Reply #10 on: July 16, 2012, 07:53:10 AM » |
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If you're going to rebuild the forks, you'll need 2 slide bushings and 2 guide bushings while you're in there. Get 2 quarts of 10W or 15W oil. The heavier oil will firm up the bounce and rebound a bit. Progressive fork springs might be a good idea.
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