Short lived fork seal.

[webbcraft2150]

Left side only. Lasted bout a year this time. Right side has never leaked. Using OEM Yamaha seals. Fork tube is dead straight. Dust boot is in place and in good shape. No nicks, chips or flaking on male slider. I polish up the slider with fine emery cloth, not a mirror finish (tried that once and the seal lasted 'bout 3 months). I am very careful on reassembly. Rarely run more than 6-10psi in forks. 15wt oil, carefully measured when refilling. I think the left side is cursed, same side I had brake line problems with. While fork seal ain't that hard to put in, I am getting kinda tired of doing it, and why only one side?

[randy]

webbcraft2150;

that fork tube may just be beyond it's service wear limit. Have you mic'd it? Also, when installing seals it's good practice to lube the lip so it has a better chance to gradually seat itself. Installing them dry will wear them out quick.

[prometheus578]

Also, when installing the seal...
Place a plastic bag, or a piece of a plastic bag, over the open end of the fork tube. This prevents the edges of the fork tube from cutting/gouging the seal.

[webbcraft2150]

Randy, hope thats not the case!!! But I will measure em. Would seem odd only one side would wear, but anything is possible!!

Prom, I will take you up on that tip. When I pull it apart, I am going to look closley at the old seal to see if there is any cuts or nicks.

Doing some head scratchin last night, I surmised that maybe its leaking around the seal seat and not where the seal meets the tube. In any case, you can bet I will be very cautious on this install. Off the Lowes to get the stuff to make the the custom "tube holder tool".

[planedick]

Guide

There is also a guide that keeps the tube centered and if it is worn the seal will wear out quickly. It's best to replace both the guide and the seal.