fork seal replacement, again!

[Guest]

Last summer, I replaced a leaking fork seal on my GK. I got the seals from Z1, not OEM. This spring, the same seal is leaking again.
On a GK, this is a real problem because of the air forks.
I was offering about any collective fork seal wisdom on the forum, & about getting one of those fork seal "picks" that make sure the seal isn't folded over or crudded up.
My tubes a nice & smooth, not rusted or pitted at all.
What's the guidance on this?

[hampshirehog]

Are you sure you put the seal in the right side up?

[RichDesmond]

Last summer, I replaced a leaking fork seal on my GK. I got the seals from Z1, not OEM. This spring, the same seal is leaking again.
On a GK, this is a real problem because of the air forks.
I was offering about any collective fork seal wisdom on the forum, & about getting one of those fork seal "picks" that make sure the seal isn't folded over or crudded up.
My tubes a nice & smooth, not rusted or pitted at all.
What's the guidance on this?

You might double check the fork tubes with a magnifying glass, the tiny pits can be hard to see. In any case, it can't hurt to lightly buff them with extra fine steel wool.
Better springs that let you run zero psi will help too, and not just with the leaking.

[tas850g]

You might double check the fork tubes with a magnifying glass, the tiny pits can be hard to see. In any case, it can't hurt to lightly buff them with extra fine steel wool.
Better springs that let you run zero psi will help too, and not just with the leaking.

Sorry to be off topic BUT...hey Rich! Didn't realize you were on GSR. I've been reading your posts relating to suspension tuning on svrider. Great stuff and you are very knowledgable about "how to" tune your suspension.

[tkent02]

Sorry to be off topic BUT...hey Rich! Didn't realize you were on GSR. I've been reading your posts relating to suspension tuning on svrider. Great stuff and you are very knowledgable about "how to" tune your suspension.

Got a link?

[tas850g]

Got a link?

Here's one to begin with: http://www.svrider.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252361

[LarryJ]

I just ordered an OEM fork seal & a set of Progressive springs from BikeBandit. Hopefully, this seal will seat in well.

[hillsy]

If the fork bushes are worn, the fork stanchion can slop about inside the fork lower which can stretch / elongate / ruin the fork seal.

If the same fork leg keeps blowing seals and there's no pitting on the chrome I would look at replacing the bushes as well.

[littleroot]

I just ordered an OEM fork seal & a set of Progressive springs from BikeBandit. Hopefully, this seal will seat in well.

Subbed

I've been looking at the same so let us know how it works out, please

[LarryJ]

I'm pulling the leg today to replace the seal. Then, I'll put in the Progressives & change out the fork oil. I'll probably finish it up on Wednesday, when I'm off again. I am looking forward to a tighter front end &, hopefully, no more fork leak!

[bwringer]

If the fork bushes are worn, the fork stanchion can slop about inside the fork lower which can stretch / elongate / ruin the fork seal.

If the same fork leg keeps blowing seals and there's no pitting on the chrome I would look at replacing the bushes as well.

Yyyyyyup.

Check the bushings while you're in there.

[tkent02]

The fork seal pick didn't help?

50 50 chance from what I've seen.

[Steve]

I just ordered an OEM fork seal & a set of Progressive springs from BikeBandit.

I tell ya, that take a LOT of gall.

Rich Desmond offers you some help, and you order springs from his competitor.

Note Rich's signature, there is a link to Sonic Springs. Yep, Rich is the owner.

.

[tkent02]

He also sells better springs at a lower price.