hey everyone. so i'm trying to save some money and gain some experience as well. i'm in desperate need of some fork seals but dont want to pay 200 plus for someone to do it for me. has anyone changed theirs out before? maybe have some pointers instructional video anything that would help me get the job done right. much appreciated.

 

dude, search.

You will find a lot of information on here just use the search function. Even just check out the links that come up under "related threads" toward the bottom of this page.

 

I searched the forum and decided to do mine. It ended up being one of the easiest job I've done this bike. Read read read, then read some more then (as they say in Nike adds) Just do it!

 

...and use OEM seals,unless you want to change them again soon.

 

Kjohnson speaks truth. Use the OEM's, don't skimp. The aftermarket seals don't seem to last. If you're really trying to same some money you can use either 5w or 10w automatic transmission fluid instead of fork oil, but I probably wouldn't bother just because you'll only save a couple bucks anyway.

 

alright thanks for the info, was looking on the site for a little bit more info on the job. is it easy enough? and does anyone suggest maybe just removing the forks and having someone else do the seals for me? i've heard some stories from a few guys i ride with saying that they changed their seals and a week later they were leaking again, maybe thats just a risk you have to take....[sm=lame.gif]

 

i've also got a few other questions, anyone know of a good place to get oem parts? i found the dust seal and oil seal combo for $18 on carolinacycle.com seems like a good price in comparison with other places i found. also should i just replace the bushings too? i mean the bike is my only form of transport so i can't take apart the forks to check if the bushings are worn before i order the parts. well any input as always is appreciated.

 

I just bought my fork seals at the dealership, but thats up to you where they come from. I didn't replace the bushings in mine, I think the only real reason you would need to replace the bushings is if you destroyed them in the process of taking the forks apart. Thats your call though.

 

The reason why people who have done their seals leak again is of three reasons. 1) They bought aftermarket seals which usually are single sided spring loaded while oem ones are double sided spring loaded. 2) Their guide bushings are bad. So even if you're seal is fine, the play within the travel of the fork causes an uneven amount of pressure on the seal causing one side to leak and one side to seal. 3) improper installation (pretty obvious why that would fail).

I honestly think if you don't know the history on your guide bushings, replace them out (4 total) and save yourself the heart ache of ever doing it again for a long while. Good luck.


-Jasper

 

well i got the oil seals, dust seals, and bushings ordered. 80 bones after all is said and done. i'm using repsol 10w20 fork oil and the oem seals and bushings. waiting for them to come in the mail then i can get the process started. i'll let ya guys know how it goes.