Fork seal quick fix question.

[surf450]

I have read about the quick fix. I am going to try it. I have lost a lot of oil as of now. Should I fix it then drain it, and refill? Should I fix it then just fill up?

[Sean_McCutcheon]

I had one leaking the other day and I used the business card trick and it has stopped leaking. I didn't lose that much so I just want to add a little back to it through the bleeder screw. What is the easiest way to get the oil in that little hole?

In your case (surf450) I would probably drain and refill if you think you have lost a lot.

[Ga426owner]

I have read about the quick fix. I am going to try it. I have lost a lot of oil as of now. Should I fix it then drain it, and refill? Should I fix it then just fill up?

depends on how old the fluid is - I prefer full service - removing, empty, clean, replace both seals - refill to 95cc's

my 2cents ?

[mx426]

I would at least drain them and re-fill them. If it was dirt that was keeping the seal open, chances are that some of it got in your fork. New fluid never hurts anyway and you will be sure they are full. Also, try some seal savers and bleed the air from your forks after your ride, more frequently if you ride really hard. The seal savers cost as much as a new set of seals and since installing them and bleeding the forks regularly, I have yet to have another seal leakage problem. ?

[surf450]

You all are the best. I was going to replace the seals, which maybe I should still do. But if I had replaced them I wouldn't have rode today. Instead I tried the quick fix. It worked. Saved me time money and a day of riding. Thanks.

[Yamaha35]

This may not be a quick fix but it will save some money. There's a spring on the inside of the fork seal that holds it tight against the lower fork shaft. Cut 2mm off so it holds the seal tighter. Buddy just fixed a leaky seal this way for me. His lasted another year.

[01yz426]

I like the feeler gauge trick better......

[beechum1]

I have read about the quick fix. I am going to try it. I have lost a lot of oil as of now. Should I fix it then drain it, and refill? Should I fix it then just fill up?

and the link to the orig article is...???

[Ga426owner]

When you guys get tired of rigging your bikes and want a seal thats different that out performs and outlasts the OEM's, give us a gingle. We got a 90 day garauntee to back you up with so you wont weep tears of frustration.

Ride with confidence again ?

Rob

I agree Synergy fixed my oem problem once and for all. 90day guarantee is perfect ?

[gtxkid]

Just pull the pre dust seals down and buy the cheep tool for cleaning.

Dealer has them on a cardboard display board behind counter.

They are blue with yellow letters.

Been out for a while.

Kinda like feeler gauge but will not damage anything.

I had to go to the seal saver covers and have not had a problem since.

Greg

[kawboy388]

Those blue seal cleaners are called "Seal Mates", but actually the 2 best things I've found to use are either an old tear off or the foil seal off of a peanut can. You probably didn't lose as much fork fluid as you think so add very small amounts back to it till it feels back to normal. A very small amount of fork fluid can make a very big mess.

[grayracer513]

Those blue seal cleaners are called "Seal Mates", but actually the 2 best things I've found to use are either an old tear off or the foil seal off of a peanut can.

Business cards, cut in half lengthwise.

[DPW]

Business cards, cut in half lengthwise.

tear-offs work good too

[grayracer513]

What I like about the cards vs. plastic is that the fibrous nature of the paper, especially the cut edge, tends to grab and hold small pieces of grit, and pull them out of the seal, whereas the plastic strips just sort of push them out if you're lucky.

[motox100]

Depending on how bad it's leaking you can sometimes get by taking the dust seal down, take a tear off or film negative and clean around the seal, spray the area with contact cleaner and re-assemble. I'd also feel the fork leg for burrs that caused it and sand them down.

[matt4x4]

I always use film negative too - but yes - a used but clean tearoff will work too.

[NC_MX_KID]

seems like alot of people are havign leaking forks seals on their YZs. maybe a bad set of seals from the factory

[grayracer513]

The '06 YZ fork seals are a low drag design to enhance the smoothness of the fork in small amplitude motion by reducing "stiction" (static friction). The simple, obvious trade-off is that the seals don't as aggressively prevent small particles and surface inconsistencies from causing leaks.

If you ride in muddy conditions, be sure to clean the mud off the fork legs between rides/motos. Even water spots can initiate a leak.

If you look at page 3-34 of your manual, you will see that Yamaha recommends cleaning the seals after every ride day.

[matt4x4]

NC-MX-kid - don't get the wrong idea - likely, many are posting this from experience because it's NOT a brand specific fix - mine haven't leaked, but my neighbour's Honda for instance has - which I fixed that way etc... - many here probably know this trick from before their YZF days too.

Just happens someone's YZF is leaking so we're all giving advice.

[grayracer513]

NC-MX-kid - don't get the wrong idea - likely, many are posting this from experience because it's NOT a brand specific fix - mine haven't leaked, but my neighbour's Honda for instance has - which I fixed that way etc... - many here probably know this trick from before their YZF days too.

Just happens someone's YZF is leaking so we're all giving advice.

Not to mention that the first 7 posts in the thread are 4 years old.?