Fork seals.

[Pepmyster]

Hi guys, Just a question. I decided to remove my front shocks and bring them to the local Honda dealer to replace the seals, as they were leaking. Anyhow, They charged 217$ with taxes for the seals. Okay, whatever. Then they say, Since they did not change the bushings, the job has no warranty. Do you have to replace the bushings at this time, all the time? Shocks have about 60,000 miles on them. My buddy with the Goldwing group says no and the tech, says yes. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[Earl43P]

I'd be hard pressed to ever use that "dealer" again.

Why would they not replace bad bushings, if they were "in there"?
At the very least, they should have called with that recommendation for your approval. Shady folks at that shop, unless YOU specified just replace these seals.

In which case, it's on you.

[Hook#3287]

The seals go Under $50 American from partzilla.

So you paid about $150  for what should take an experienced mech an hour to do.

I'm with Earl on this, the dealer should have suggested you replace the bushings while there.

Problem with dealers is finding an experienced Valk mech.

Heck, try finding an experienced PARTS guy that even knows what a Valkyrie is.

[Gryphon Rider]

The service manual has a clear description of how to inspect the slider bushings to determine the need for replacement. I didn't replace my bushings when I did my seals, because they were still good according to the manual, and my seals have been leak-free for years now. If your dealer tech says it's imperative to replace the bushings when you replace the seals, I'd find a more honest mechanic.

[DarkSideR]

The dust seal is the very last part to be removed. The actual oil seal is the 2nd to last part to be removed, thus the entire shock has to be torn down to replace the seal. Very labor intensive.

Over the winter I rebuilt my forks myself and upgraded the springs with Progressive. My bike has 56k on it. Upon inspecting the old bushing I found them to have very little wear. So if your bike has 60k on it you should be fine with the old bushings. I know that's doesn't help much but maybe can be a gauge for you to go by.

They key is new seals, and new oil. The old oil gets dirty and can cause damage. With new seals and new oil you should be fine.

In regards to using a MC shop to work on your Valkyrie, unless you personally know and trust the tech I wouldn't suggest using a shop. There are plenty of very helpful Valkyrie owners that would be more than willing to help you. So for next time, 1st get on the tech board and ask if anyone in your area would be willing to help you with your future projects.

Hope this helps,

DarkSider

[Pepmyster]

Thanks for all the replies! Being an auto tech, this the only thing I wanted done by them . I trust they did a good job. The bike handles a hell of a lot better now. There are progressive springs in them now. I just heard conflicting comments on this topic. I fell better now reading these comments. Thanks again!!!

[Hook#3287]

If it ain't broke don't replace it? 

I've rebuilt, due to leaking seals, or to add progressive springs, probably 5 or 6 sets of front forks.

Everytime, when I've checked the amount of copper showing, or Teflon missing, on the slider bushings, it's been at least 50%.

Because I'm planing not be in there again anytime soon, I replace them.

Cheap insurance (kudos to CrackerJack) or foolhardiness?  You decide.

[CajunRider]

My mechanic looked at my bushings at 45K miles... he said they showed almost no wear so he didn't bother to change them.  He did say the warranty on the seals is quite limited, but not due to leaving the old bushings in there.  The seals are just considered a "wear" item.  Kinda like brake pads. 

I plan on bringing him my Triumph soon... it's been leaking out of the fork seals and cleaning them only lasts for a month or two. 

[Bighead]

Changed the fork oil and replaced seals and bushings. seals weren't leaking and bushings did show some wear but since I had it apart and putting a fairing on I didn't want to spring a leak 6 months after and have to remove the fairing for seals. Preventive for me I guess.

[Steve K (IA)]

If it ain't broke don't replace it? 

I've rebuilt, due to leaking seals, or to add progressive springs, probably 5 or 6 sets of front forks.

Everytime, when I've checked the amount of copper showing, or Teflon missing, on the slider bushings, it's been at least 50%.

Because I'm planing not be in there again anytime soon, I replace them.

Cheap insurance (kudos to CrackerJack) or foolhardiness?  You decide.

I'm with you.  As long as you are in there, replace the bushings and sliders.  They don't cost much.

[Pepmyster]

Thanks guys, Next time , no question, replace the bushings, got it!