How Much Fork Fluid?

[redgoldwing]

I had a leaking Right Fork Seal on my 98 Tourer. I tried the Sealmate and it seems to have worked. I figure I should top off the fork fluid but don't know how much to put in. Any suggestions?

[h13man]

Two different fluid amounts in each leg. The "driver" side leg you can remove the pipe bolt and drain but still have to clean and the other leg needs complete removal thus remove both and do it right. OEM seals only from others experience, All Balls suck. You'll need two qts. of fork oil. Not a difficult job but full attention to detail  as any repair. Good luck. I've replaced oil 2x and seals just recently.

[redgoldwing]

"Take a test ride. After the fix, the bike rode and handled just like always.  I did not refill anything."

ditto!

"ps:  Riding up US1 across Conowingo to Oxford was a nice ride to a good lunch."

I assume you didn't do that today, given that we have 3 inches of snow on the ground. Where did you lunch?

[redgoldwing]

Two different fluid amounts in each leg. The "driver" side leg you can remove the pipe bolt and drain but still have to clean and the other leg needs complete removal thus remove both and do it right. OEM seals only from others experience, All Balls suck. You'll need two qts. of fork oil. Not a difficult job but full attention to detail  as any repair. Good luck. I've replaced oil 2x and seals just recently.

Thanks, I'm hopeful it was just a piece of dirt but I don't have that kind of luck!

[98valk]

it will ride better with less fluid.   

do this to stop the leaks and make sure the front wheel is installed correctly which can cause leaks

https://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,126543.0.html

https://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,116905.0.html

[redgoldwing]

Thanks!

[98valk]

Redgoldwing,

The leak path, as we know it, starts with particles entering the dust seal.  A particle may work it's way into the fork seal.  It's rare, but we know it happens.  I'll start regularly cleaning the dust seals.  It would only take minutes.  That's probably the best we can do right now.  

There are other ways seals can leak, but the particles are the ones that have affected my bikes.

Happy Spring riding.

I do same and put a section of window felt wet with fork oil and now I use the sealant behind the dust seal to keep that dust/dirt out

[da prez]

  Somewhere in my mess of a notebook , I had made a depth reading for the fork oil. Simple and somewhat accurate. It was for checking in this type of situation.

                                               da prez

[rug_burn]

    How long was it leaking?   I takes a lot of oil, and I don't think the level is terribly critical.     So, if it only leaked out a small amount, I'd just ride it.   If you notice a deficiency, then worry about it.      I had a lot leak out once, to the point that the tubes were dry for about 5 years and honestly, It still rode okay.   I eventually replaced the seals for the second time, and it's been fine.

[redgoldwing]

The leak was minor. I've been riding it for 2 months now since using the Sealmate and I don't notice any difference in the handling. Thanks!

[John97]

The leak was minor. I've been riding it for 2 months now since using the Sealmate and I don't notice any difference in the handling hi. Thanks!

Unless the fluid was noticeably dripping and puddling up when parked overnight, it's probably fine to ride. A small amount of fluid looks like a lot when it coats the fork and radiator and  fuel tank but it really is a little bit.