Leaky fork leg

[Steven]

I noticed the left front leg of the front suspension starts to loose oil   . I wipe the chrome part of the leg clean, push the forks up and down a few times, and oil residue is on the chrome part.

I'm going to try to solve the problem myself  :lol: . What could this be? My guess is it's the oil seal. Is it hard to replace that and how do you do that? I am a bit reluctant about taking the fork leg apart, because you need a special tool to put on a new top bushing. Also, if I replace the seal in one fork leg, should I better do it in the other too?

 and thanks all!!

[BadBatzMaru]

i've got the same problem... and yep, i think its the fork seal.. I recently ordered new oil and dust seals (two each, one for each leg) and I plan to take the forks apart and do the job once my parts arrive.. from what people have posted here, doesnt seem to be too difficult of a job... for now, be careful that your fork oil doesnt foul up your front brake pads... you're likely to lose the front if the pads/rotor are covered in oil......
good luck.

[Leveller]

Dont forget to check for pitting or heavy scoring on the leg itsself , if you find that you still leak after new seals you maybe in need of having the legs rechromed , although this is only usual with older machines



Lev

[klimber]

some one once told me to tie a rag around the fork leg below the seal to help catch the oil before it gets to the brakes.  but be carefull to tie it so that it doesn't get caught on anything.  a couple wraps and zip tied down should do the trick.  it kept my wifes bike from messing up the brakes!

[werase643]

i've got the same problem... and yep, i think its the fork seal.. I recently ordered new oil and dust seals (two each, one for each leg) good luck.

did you order fork seals or dust seals?
there are both on/in a fork assy.  the dust seal is the one you can see. the fork seal is the one that is screwed up.  look for pitting and take some fine steel wool or 1200 grit wet/dry and polish the chrome.

[nsoccer3097]

just as a hint, local bike shop guy said to take a pair of pantyhose and run them along the fork legs and it will catch on any pits that will need to be taken out.

[Steven]

just as a hint, local bike shop guy said to take a pair of pantyhose and run them along the fork legs and it will catch on any pits that will need to be taken out.

Hmmm, might have to talk to the wife  :mrgreen: .

Thanks all on the replies!

[BadBatzMaru]

did you order fork seals or dust seals?

both.

[werase643]

did you order fork seals or dust seals?

both.

sorry, my bad.  I misread your post

move along, nothing to see here