Leaking front shocks- How big a PITA to fix?

[Lucien Harpress]

There's something about these bikes that I think won't allow you to fix everything that's wrong with them. Case in point? I finally got my bike back to road-worthy condition, only to find out that the front shocks are leaking.

My question is, how difficult would this be to fix myself? Is it even possible? If so, what parts should I be looking at to replace, and (most important) how do I do this?

[bikerphil]

Easy to fix. You'll need a pair of new seals ($10), a 50 cent bolt and 2 nuts to make into a tool, and a seal puller. Everything on these bikes is easy to fix once you've done it a couple of times .

50 cent tool...



Seal puller....

[skids]

And it helps to obtain a short piece of pvc to pound in the seals without damage. I guess you could use an appropriate diam socket.

[skids]

BTW, once you change fluids and get everything fixed that has been in need, these bikes will treat you right.

[fredintoon]

the front shocks are leaking.how difficult would this be to fix myself?

Hi Lucien,
as has been posted, it does involve a complete fork teardown but that's not difficult. All it takes is to insert new seals.
And check the chrome on the fork tubes where the seals slide.
Defective chrome will cut up the new seals like little knives.
Be sure you get the right seals. Special and Standard seals are different and the wrong ones won't fit.
Personal experience tells me that if the fork oil leaks onto the front brake pads you will see a marked reduction in how well the brakes work.