Fork Seal Woes

[Azoroth]

So I just replaced my fork seals a few weeks ago. Problem is that now they leak even more than they did before. Size was right according to info on here and in other sources. I was wondering if it would be because it has been cold and the rubber has yet to make a nice seal. Does this make sense? Or do I need to just go straight to buying new seals?

[jetmechmarty]

Where did you source the seals? I just replaced mine and had oil on the fork legs last ride. The next ones will come from somewhere else.

[Elevener]

I used leak proof on my XS with no problems, they just drop in. Im scared to use them on any of my other bikes after reading reviews of them.

But if they are leaking now I dont think they will get better, doesnt work that way in my experience. But if you have to ride it while waiting for parts putting a rolled up disposible blue shop towel under the dust boot keeps it from making a mess.

And you know standard and "special" are different sizes?

edit: jet dont be shy, say what didnt work for you

[bikerphil]

What happens sometimes on the Special forks is that the seal gets sliced/nicked by the lower stanchion bushing when reassembling. Next time, cut a piece of plastic soda bottle to wrap around the bushing until it's past the seal, then slide it out. Can also use a film negative.

[jetmechmarty]

What happens sometimes on the Special forks is that the seal gets sliced/nicked by the lower stanchion bushing when reassembling. Next time, cut a piece of plastic soda bottle to wrap around the bushing until it's past the seal, then slide it out. Can also use a film negative.

Hmmm.....so, quite possibly, the leak is my fault.

[Elevener]

bikerphil, I believe I got the shop/paper towel trick from one of your posts didnt I? And negative film, didnt think you were as old as some of us .

If an old seal starts leaking I have always heard you can use something like that to slide around the seal to possibly remove dirt that causes the leak, not applyable here....

[mack]

I guess

I've been doing it wrong. I always put the upper in the lower first, then slip the seal onto the upper and slide it down into place. I have a piece of abs pipe trimmed down to use to seat the seal that last 1/4 inch into the lower. Never have had any problems cutting the seals on the bushings though.

[jetmechmarty]

As far as keeping seals, after you ride, wipe the forks with a rag dampened with fork oil. That way, your seals won't be wiping the dirt and bugs off. I do this every day with airplane struts.

[crazy steve]

I've been doing it wrong. I always put the upper in the lower first, then slip the seal onto the upper and slide it down into place. I have a piece of abs pipe trimmed down to use to seat the seal that last 1/4 inch into the lower. Never have had any problems cutting the seals on the bushings though.

That's how I do mine too; never any issues with damaging the seals that way...

[BA80]

So I just replaced my fork seals a few weeks ago. Problem is that now they leak even more than they did before. Size was right according to info on here and in other sources. I was wondering if it would be because it has been cold and the rubber has yet to make a nice seal. Does this make sense? Or do I need to just go straight to buying new seals?

Where did you source the seals? I just replaced mine and had oil on the fork legs last ride. The next ones will come from somewhere else.

If you get too agressive knocking those new seals in you can damage them.

BTDT.....

[Azoroth]

Where did you source the seals? I just replaced mine and had oil on the fork legs last ride. The next ones will come from somewhere else.

I am thibking that it is a problem with the brand. I got mine from pyramid parts. My dad bought some dor my sisters bike and they leak. Same brand. I mainly bought those only because I wanted the wipers. I think the big OEM dust boots are ugly.

[Azoroth]

And you know standard and "special" are different sizes?

edit: jet dont be shy, say what didnt work for you

Yeah. I worked that out. I can see that would be a first thought answer though.

[bikerphil]

bikerphil, I believe I got the shop/paper towel trick from one of your posts didnt I? And negative film, didnt think you were as old as some of us .

If an old seal starts leaking I have always heard you can use something like that to slide around the seal to possibly remove dirt that causes the leak, not applyable here....

Yep, the paper towel under the dust boot is a good trick for a slow leaking seal. As for the film negative, a pro dirt racer friend of mine taught me that one, for stopping leaks.

[DGXSER]

I bought a set from Georgefix, on ebay. installed them and had the same issue, leakers. Upon inspection, it appears Phil hit the nail on the head. You could see where the seal lip was torn. I used his soda bottle trick on the second set, no leaks as of yet.

[XS1100 Newbie]

I put Leak Proof seals on my MNS about 15000 miles ago, and have had no leaks.