whats the oil lock in the bottom of the forks do? and if you under fill a fork what happens? I seem to be having an oil leak in one fork tube (right side) that happened RIGHT after I replaced the seal. did a complete seal dust cap etc change. used leak-proof seals. after about 30 miles had a little bit of oil. now after 60 or so it leaks whn I sit on the bike and press down with the front brake locked. any ideas, hints tips etc would be GREATLY appreciated. could the bushings be worn and causing problems? please help guys!!! thanks

 

The oil lock helps stop the suspension bottoming out - the last 20mm or so of travel. I can't see how it would cause a leak unless you put it in upside down and something got jammed/broken. The flange on the bottom of the oil lock piece goes at the bottom of the leg, tapered part faces upand the fork tube slides down over it at full compression.

If you underfill a small amount say 50ml I don't think it's likely to cause any damage to the leg.If you really underfill and damping is seriously reduced, and then you probably get larger impact forces when the fork reaches max travel either direction. However, I haven't tried it - just speculating.

I assume that the leak is from the fork seal you replaced, and not from the bottom of the leg. Hope you solve the problem! Let us know.

 

it might be a lot low on oil.... stupid lol! I ordered new bushings and the oil lock since it is missing and the bushings are worn.