WTB: Inner fork tube for 89-02

bombsquad83 · August 29, 2012, 04:43:57 PM

I need a left fork for an 89-00. Mine still works, but ive replaced the fork seal twice now and it has started leaking shortly after. I believe there are imperfections in the surface of the fork causing it to leak. Unless anyone has any other solutions for this issue, I need a new fork.

adidasguy · August 29, 2012, 04:58:27 PM

Causes of leaking:
1. Rough or pitted. Polish with very fine steel wool. Then examine.
2. Too much oil. remember to measure oil with the fork compressed.
3. Fork seal not seated properly
4. Debris around fork seal area when installed.

Any GS500 fork will work for you. Newer ones have a tab for the reflector. That's the difference.
There were a few different fork caps. You can reuse your fork cap when you put your good spring in so both forks match.

Probably have some....I plan to sort through them this weekend.

bombsquad83 · August 29, 2012, 06:41:11 PM

Quote from: adidasguy on August 29, 2012, 04:58:27 PM
Causes of leaking:
1. Rough or pitted. Polish with very fine steel wool. Then examine.
2. Too much oil. remember to measure oil with the fork compressed.
3. Fork seal not seated properly
4. Debris around fork seal area when installed.

Any GS500 fork will work for you. Newer ones have a tab for the reflector. That's the difference.
There were a few different fork caps. You can reuse your fork cap when you put your good spring in so both forks match.

Probably have some....I plan to sort through them this weekend.

Seals were well seated, debris was cleaned off, and fork oil was measured the same in both forks. 100 mm from the top of the tube with no spring. I have progressive springs and 1 inch spacer.

I could try polishing the fork and installing a new seal for the 3rd time, but I don't know if it's worth it. I wanted an older style fork so that I don't have to deal with the issues getting the damper bolt out without a special tool. I've already built the beer garage tool for the older forks and it works great.

bombsquad83 · August 29, 2012, 08:07:23 PM

I guess really all I need is the fork tube. Is that exchangable for all years? Can I run a new fork tube with my old damper and bottom fork base?

adidasguy · August 29, 2012, 08:42:51 PM

Let me inventory what I have. How soon do you want one?
I know the bits at the bottom of the tube are different, but could be compatible.
I have old and new.

bombsquad83 · August 30, 2012, 06:33:51 AM

I can be patient on this. I will probably not get around to fixing it until it gets cold around here in Illinois. I don't think it's leaking fast enough to affect riding quite yet.

89-02 are the same part number, and it changes in 04-09 (as I'm sure you already know). I'd be curious to know the compatibility between old and new on this part. If the new inner tube is 100% compatible with the old, then I would want just a new tube so it would have less chance of pitting (being newer).

jimfols · September 01, 2012, 01:46:03 PM

With all the used tubes available this is probably too much $.

http://www.racetech.com/TNKProductSearch/SUZUKI/GS%20500%20E/1992-1997

But I thought it was interesting.

Jim

bombsquad83 · September 01, 2012, 05:03:04 PM

I can buy an actual OEM original part for that price.

jimfols · September 01, 2012, 08:34:09 PM

Yeah but for $130 more you can have one gold titanium nitrided.

bombsquad83 · September 10, 2012, 05:58:23 PM

Still looking for this for the right price. Im going to try to clean and polish the tube to get it to reseal, but its leaking pretty good now so my confidence is low.

adidasguy · September 10, 2012, 06:00:57 PM

I guess I have a pile of forks and can sell you one. Couple more came in today.
Was that a left or a right? New or old style?
I can ship it empty to save on weight. Put your spring in and fork cap on. Add oil. Stir. Serves 4.

bombsquad83 · September 10, 2012, 06:19:39 PM

It's the left and i would like the older style. Can you PM me with a price shipped to 61761? No hurry.

adidasguy · September 12, 2012, 11:06:13 PM

Picked out a real pristine one for you.
Pulled the cap & stuff. Draining right now to save weight in shipping and you'll be using your springs anyway.
Will mail out tomorrow.

bombsquad83 · September 13, 2012, 05:51:46 AM

You are the man when it comes to parts. I really appreciate it. Looking forward to having a bike that "needs nothing".

Akillez · September 19, 2012, 12:53:31 AM

was wondering if you had anymore forks or tubes addias??

bombsquad83 · September 21, 2012, 05:55:18 AM

I got the fork yesterday and it looks good. No pitting in the area where the seal slides, which was probably the issue with my previous fork. After cleaning up the remnants of the previous oil, I installed it with my spring, spring seat, spacer, cap and new 10W fork oil filled to 99 mm from the top without the spring and fully compressed (to match the other fork). There was a little bit of a dirty oil on the tube after a ride, but I'm hoping it was still just the remainder of the old dirty oil that was on top of the seal. We will see over time if the seal is working ok. If not, I think I can make it until the end of this riding season and replace it this winter.

Thanks!

adidasguy · September 21, 2012, 11:00:41 AM

I hope it works out for you.
Since the tube is clean and pristine, if a new seal is necessary due to the one on it being worn out, it won't leak again.
There was no leaking before I drained and shipped it so you should be good for the rest of the season.

bombsquad83 · September 21, 2012, 11:18:47 AM

I think what I see right now is just oil that ran down the outside of the tube from the top and down to the seal area while it was being shipped. It probably sat upright one direction one day and all the remnants of dirty oil ran out, and then then other direction the next day causing the dirty oil to run down toward the seal. I'm pretty sure it'll be good for the rest of the season anyway. I plan on replacing my fork oil with 15w this winter. I think I'm underdamped with progressive springs. I also think that I might need to make some new spacers to add some preload. I'll be measuring sag soon.

bombsquad83 · September 23, 2012, 11:39:37 AM

After further evaluation, I'm not sure that I can make it until the end of the season with the way this seal is leaking. Oh well, I'll get it done and replace with 15w sooner instead of later I suppose.

adidasguy · September 23, 2012, 01:05:00 PM

Off that it is leaking. Also odd you have a continual problem with the left side leaking - even with new seals.
That fork I sent should have been good. The tube was perfect and smooth.
Maybe there is some other problem that is putting stress on the fork - an alignment problem bwteeen the upper and lower triple and the wheel.

Maybe too much oil in it? Sure you measured oil level properly with the tube compressed? What is your oil level?

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WTB: Inner fork tube for 89-02