front fork leak

[rdunbar123]

Ijust notice oil coming out of my front fork is this a hard thing to fix? do you need special tools?

[Misfit]

It is not hard. Follow the Honda manual and all will be well. Yes it does take one special socket. You can order one from your local dealer or online. You can replace the seals without tearing it all down but I don't know why you would want to. By taking it all of the way down you can get everything clean and also the proper amount of clean susspension fluid installed. Good luck.

[larryh0841]

If it is the right fork you will not need the special socket to take it apart.  If you need to do the left fork you can make the special tool required to take the nut off and install it.  See lowering Valkyrie forks in the Shop Talk section.  You will also need to make a tool to seat the seals.  This is made by spiltting a 1 1/2" PVC coupling.  The kind without the tube stop in the center.  I use a hose clamp to hold it together when installing the seals.  You may need some help holding things when you assemble the right fork.  The biggest mistake most guys make is installing the seals backwards.  Follow the steps in the shop manual exactly.

[Dodis]

rdunbar123,

A good idea on this might be to try to attend the Houston Wrench party coming up, May 8. Email or PM Lyn Del and she can get you a map or directions. I know Mike (TINMAN) has the special socket for the left fork, as he was the one that helped me rebuild my forks.

You may need to check a local dealer for the seals (and bushings if you choose to replace them), unless you can call HDL and get priority shipping to make sure they are here in time.

Plus, the best part is you get to meet more VRCC'rs! 

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,15382.0.html

[tlanz]

Before you go tearing it all apart, you might try the 'film trick' (It works with a crisp dollar bill too)... see this link for details: http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,14416.0.html

It might work for you, might not. But it's well worth a try or two.

[Bone]

Try the film trick. First week of the month one of the forks on my 98 Tourer started dumping oil. Most of the parts have to be ordered now so I thought why not give it a try. Did the film trick and wiped the leg dry. It kept oiling the leg for 2 more days, less each day, and then it stopped. No it didn't run out of oil 

[Misfit]

The film trick is a good quick fix. The problem is it does not replace worn bushings and old nasty fork oil. We change our motor oil, clutch fluid, brake fluid, and engine coolant why leave out your suspension??

[kyrie6]

Just an idea, but would be a good time to put in some progressive springs.