fork seal leak and brake grab

[dano1946]

on a long ride last week I noticed a left front fork seal leaking badly,  didn't have a sealmate tool so I wrapped a rag around it and made it home OK but noticed a severe front brake grab the last few miles.  I'll use the sealmate to try to stop the leak (hopefully) but do I have to replace my left front brake pads now?

Thanks.

[BigBF]

on a long ride last week I noticed a left front fork seal leaking badly,  didn't have a sealmate tool so I wrapped a rag around it and made it home OK but noticed a severe front brake grab the last few miles.  I'll use the sealmate to try to stop the leak (hopefully) but do I have to replace my left front brake pads now?

Thanks.

Sealmate won't do good I have tried that most of the time didn't success. Maybe one or two it work due to debris stuck in seal. Replace new seals and recommend do both fork too.

If totally soaked with fork oil on brake pad yes replace it and recommend do both. If light oil on it use brake cleaner to clean off and let it dry then rub with finger if u don't see oil on finger then it should be ok but highly recommend replace new pad for safety.

[Michvalk]

I agree with BigBF. For no more than pads cost, just replace them after you replace the seals

[olddog1946]

I've found the Seal Dr. works much better and the design ensures you get up inside the seal..but again that only works if there is some debris up in there.  Do the fork seal replacement on the bike, only takes about 45 minutes for the first side, just a few for the other, then re-install the wheel, add measured amounts of oil and you are good to go. Hardest part is getting the seal to seat.
NOTE: Cover the top of the fork with a rag as some oil will splash out when you jerk the fork apart.