What does a leaky fork seal look like? **pics added**

[beRto]

I had always assumed a fork oil leak would be pretty obvious; pooling around the seals etc. Having researched the topic somewhat, I have learned that any oil traces appearing on the fork tube is a sign of a leaky seal. Can anyone confirm this? A picture would be ideal!

My suspension leaves trace amounts of oil on the fork along the length of travel. I had assumed this was normal, but now think I may in fact need to change the seals... and I just had the forks apart to install Progressive springs! 

Thanks.

edit: here are some pictures of my fork tubes and oil seals. I didn't wipe them down so you could see them in their original condition. I have since cleaned them and it doesn't seem like they are leaking after all! Once I wiped them off, there was no longer trace amounts of oil on the forks; the oil I saw may have been spill residue from the progressive spring install? I'll keep an eye on them. Anyways, let me know if you see any problems in the pictures. Thanks!

Front Forks


Right Seal #1


Right Seal #2


Left Seal #1


Left Seal #2

[dgyver]

Traces left on the tube are the beginning signs. Eventually you will see a puddle on the ground below the for tube.

[ben2go]

+1

Dgyver and I have built a few forks.

[frankieG]

any discoloration, cracks or leaks are red lights.  when in doubt just take it to a dealer and ask them to look at it for you

[bobthebiker]

another sign, is wherever the maximum point of typical travel is, you may notice an oily dirt pooled up there, which is fork oil that has collected dirt off the road thrown up by the tire. 

keep an eye on forks for such things, and change the seals AS SOON AS YOU CAN if you notice such things happening.

[beRto]

It's wintertime over here, so I'm gonna take the opportunity to change them regardless. I'm just annoyed I didn't do it a month ago when I had the forks in pieces anyways! 

Oh well, this way I get more "practice" 

[beRto]

*bump* pics added to original post.

[beRto]

None of you experts on going to comment on whether-or-not I should change my front fork oil seals? ... please...



(please see the pictures I added to the first post)

[dgyver]

They do not look too bad right now but plan on replacing them soon. I see some rust on the retainer clip, water must have been getting by the dust cover.