Fork seals OE or aftermarket

[shakeybone]

I need to replace my fork seals on my 82 GS650E and wonder if I should use OE Suzuki seals or aftermarket. Not looking to save money, looking for the best ones. If aftermarket are better is there a brand you recommend?

 

[chuck hahn]

Ive used both and havent had any problems with either. K&L are good.

 

[Joe Garfield]

I was just logging on with the same question I am also curious what's available for good dust boots other than OEM.

Z1 has for seals (K&S) for a little over $7/pair. I also saw Bikemaster and All Balls (and negative comments about Pyramid).

 

[shakeybone]

For dust boots I think I am going to use these. http://www.mikesxs.net/product/27-1095.html

 

[JTGS850GL]

After market are not a problem at all. Just make very sure that the forks are not pitted with rust on the slide area. That's what eats up seals.

 

[chuck hahn]

And do not gouge the rims of the seal seats when you pry the old ones out. Gouges will make them leak around the outer edges of the fork tubes.

 

[chuck hahn]

There are kits on Ebay that have the seals and dust boots all in one kit.

 

[bwringer]

I've had problems with aftermarket seals. Never a problem with OEM seals. The dust boots don't really matter.

That said, the OEM seals are made by NOK, so if there's an aftermarket vendor selling NOK seals, they're very likely the same thing.

 

[shakeybone]

Thank you everyone for your advice, I am going to go OE.

 

[JTGS850GL]

One little trick I found that works great at getting those old seals out is to use a propane torch and heat up the seal till it just start to melt. Take a large flat blade screw driver and hook it under the seal and pry it up using the opposite side of the fork tube as a fulcrum. Give it a little pop and out she comes. Just make sure the screwdriver is not scraping the inside of the fork tube. Remember to remove the inside clip that holds the seal in place before you try to remove the seal.

 

[GSXR7ED]

Replace Fork Seals/Boots

Replace Fork Seals/Boots

I have to replace the fork seals and will go with OEM. Thanks for the tid-bits of info on the dust boots. Mine came off easy (when I measured the distance for my fork stabilizer) but I will likely replace them.

Ed

 

[trippivot]

Ive used both and havent had any problems with either. K&L are good.

X2 I have been using parts unlimited brand with good success last couple years.

 

[180gramvinyl]

How'd those fork gaiters turn out? Contemplating a set myself. Would love to see a pic of the final product.

Anyone know if these would be long enough for an 81 750E?

 

[shakeybone]

How'd those fork gaiters turn out? Contemplating a set myself. Would love to see a pic of the final product.

Anyone know if these would be long enough for an 81 750E?

I haven't done the job yet. Still collecting parts and wating for wormer weather, its 19f now.

 

[Chuck78]

NEVER use BikeMaster seals (or tire inner tubes). OEM Suzuki & AllBalls, no problems there, top quality. BM tubes need aired up every 12-15 days, even with new valve cores swapped, 10-30 year old tubes I have held pressure drastically longer.

I'm curious about an alternate to the OEM dust boots, as Suzuki charges double what the seals sell for if I recall correctly. MikesXS.com for 35mm fork seals that fit Suzuki???

 

[180gramvinyl]

I just snagged a pair from Rusty Riders - haven't popped them in yet. No branding - comes in RR's own package. we'll see how it goes

 

[Guest]

I have had better luck with OEM seals on other brands of UJM, but I have not done seals on a Suzuki.