03-15-2019, 04:41 AM
(03-15-2019, 04:19 AM)pekingduck_imp Wrote:(03-14-2019, 08:37 PM)GoldOxide_imp Wrote:(03-14-2019, 03:20 PM)pekingduck_imp Wrote:(03-14-2019, 01:03 PM)Flynrider_imp Wrote: Hey Frulk,
Before you go replacing the seals I'd strongly recommend trying something like the Motion-Pro Sealmate. Leaking is often caused by dust and dirt getting into the seal. The Sealmate is a thin but rigid piece of plastic that you insert between the fork seal and the fork tube. You slide it all the way around and the hook shape at the end helps pull out the grit.
A few years ago I did a lot of dirt roads on my CB11 and both forks started leaking (around 21K miles). 15 min. with the Sealmate and they haven't leaked a drop since. Same thing happened with the left seal on my CB750. I'd already replaced the seals a few years earlier, so I suspected the cause was just dirt. Sure enough, the Sealmate did the trick again.
If your seals are truly cracked, it's not going to help, but I've found that most leaking seals are just dirty. Definitely worth the small price to find out. I've actually made my own version out of plastic playing cards, using the original Sealmate as a pattern.
http://sealmate.net/
I am in agreement with Flynrider here. Seals almost never crack and wear out, but a little particle of metal debris can sometimes get stuck right at the seal lip and holds it open. I've popped the dust seal off, and using a .002" or .003" feeler gauge, slid it in down past the seal lip. As I rotate it around the fork tube, pulling upwards as I do, I've been able to draw the grit out. It has always worked for me.
Metal feeler gauge? I suppose one has to be a little careful not to damage the soft surfaces during the wedging procedure?
Metal feeler gauge? I suppose one has to be a little careful not to damage the soft surfaces during the wedging procedure?
GO, you would be amazed how easily it slides in. Usually it's not the dust and dirt that comes from the outside, it's the metallic particles in the fork oil from normal wear, and it's so intermittent and random, many GW riders have over 200k miles on original seals.
Make sure there are no dead bugs or dried mud on the fork tubes - waxing them helps, as does fork gaiters.
Metal feeler gauge? I suppose one has to be a little careful not to damage the soft surfaces during the wedging procedure?
GO, you would be amazed how easily it slides in. Usually it's not the dust and dirt that comes from the outside, it's the metallic particles in the fork oil from normal wear, and it's so intermittent and random, many GW riders have over 200k miles on original seals.
Make sure there are no dead bugs or dried mud on the fork tubes - waxing them helps, as does fork gaiters.
I am ready to be amazed. It will happen!
