Front fork seal replacement - check for grooves

[Beer van Huet]

F6C 1999, 80.000 km (50.000 m), first time fork fix. When my front fork (right side) started leaking oil, I expected a worn seal so I changed the seals, guide bushings and oil of both forks as per service manual. The same fork kept leaking some oil after seal replacement, however. As it turned out, there were grooves inside both my fork tubes when I took them apart again. When I asked around, these grooves seem to be normal wear and tear. I polished the grooves away as good as I could, replaced the seals again and the leakage was fixed (for now). I don't know how long this fix will last and may have to replace the forks next time. Just a heads up

[cookiedough]

Next tire change, going to get the front fork seals and fork oil changed and probably go with front progressive firmer springs inside for the first time.  Seeing as how I only have 25K but still 12 year old bike never been done before, I think it is time for this reason:  Has anyone over bumps in the road felt a jarring bottoming out sensation of the front suspension almost like the front tire has too low a tire pressure (at 40 psi though) and feels like the fork suspension is bottoming out jarring thru the handlebars enough so you can hear it make a popping noise?  I don't see any leaks from the seals but wonder what else could this jarring feel be along with hearing the popping noise over bumps in the front suspension/tire?

[Ricky-D]

Whatever you are feeling, it is not the front shocks bottoming out.

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[Valker]

About the leaking: many people replace the fork seals upside down. They will leak again soon if this happens. They are directional.

About the sound: pull the fork caps and make sure the damping rods are screwed into the fork caps properly.