My $#%!!#@ fork seals are gone again!

[Baja Dave]

1- Any advice on the best way to try to clean them out? Just pull the dust seal down with a screwdriver and try to clean the oil seals doing the film negative thing?

2- Any good instructionals out there on how to replace them yourself? It seems like this is something that can happen often and I should probably figure out how to do them myself.

Thanks in advance for any advice you guys have to offer!

Dave

[MSHAM]

film tricked worked for me! use the search feature someone did post pictures.

[YFZ450_725]

Do it yourself. After the first time, I can tear down-replace-bolt bike back up in about 1-2 hours. It is a very easy job. If you find they keep blowing out, as mine did almost every race, check your bushings. it turned out my seals were never blowing out, just the worn out bushings were letting the oil seep through. $100 for a whole re-build kit from rockymountainatv.com. Also, I usually put a big ol-glob of grease between the dust seals, and fork seals. That way instead of dirt getting on the seal and wearing a hole in it, it sticks to the grease. Good Luck

[drtbk4ever]

1- Any advice on the best way to try to clean them out? Just pull the dust seal down with a screwdriver and try to clean the oil seals doing the film negative thing?

2- Any good instructionals out there on how to replace them yourself? It seems like this is something that can happen often and I should probably figure out how to do them myself.

Thanks in advance for any advice you guys have to offer!

Dave

My seals just went too and I have been doing some research on trying to do it myself.

Here are a few links

http://www.dirtbikeworld.net/forum/showthread.php?t=16751

https://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=471442 (for honda's)

http://www.thumperfaq.com/fork_seals.htm

And last but not least, your Manual.

Best of Luck

[Baja Dave]

Thanks for the links, that's awesome! Still looks a bit over my head but at least I know what I'm up against. A few Pilsners might help get the job done...

[Matt James]

You may want to look for burrs on your lower tubes. I had a rock kickup and it caused a burr that put a small tear in the seal. If this happens a new seal will get torn also.

[WReckless]

You may want to look for burrs on your lower tubes. I had a rock kickup and it caused a burr that put a small tear in the seal. If this happens a new seal will get torn also.

ive heard good things about the neoprene(sp) seal covers that go over the top of the seal to preclean the tube before it passes through the seal

[Dan_Lorenze]

I started doing my own fork seals lately, I was real surprised just how easy it was. I spent the extra money and bought a seal driver, but you can easily make your own out of PVC, I just wanted the right tool for the job. I'm also a big fan of Seal Savers, since I've been using them they've really cut down on seal replacements. I encourage you to give it a try. good luck

Dan

[NavyNuke]

just did my seals too, guy I had tear the forks down said next time I need bushings. so this time just seals and dust covers. guess these bushings wear out quickly, my bike is an 06

[450high]

You CAN do it.Just follow the manual and take your time.Make a insert tool out of a p.v.c fitting cut in half i f you don't want to by one.I paid to have mine done twice and have done them my self this time.It reads a lot harder than it is.Very easy job and next time will be quicker.

go for it dave

[drtbk4ever]

I started doing my own fork seals lately, I was real surprised just how easy it was. I spent the extra money and bought a seal driver, but you can easily make your own out of PVC, I just wanted the right tool for the job. I'm also a big fan of Seal Savers, since I've been using them they've really cut down on seal replacements. I encourage you to give it a try. good luck

Dan

I was in to the dealer yesterday to buy new fork seals. The Parts guy suggested I buy new Dust seals at the same time. So I did.

Did the guy mislead me?

[ckroto]

Seal Savers. They really do work. They to keep the crap out, just remember to check them for dirt and junk once in a while.

[drtbk4ever]

Seal Savers. They really do work. They to keep the crap out, just remember to check them for dirt and junk once in a while.

I'm going to give those Seal Savers a try. There was actually a brand mentioned on this forum that was velcro'd on called Shock Sox. I'd prefer those as it would make it easier put on/take off.

But my question was referring to the rubber dust seals that are on the forks protecting the fork oil seals. Do you guys change those when you change the fork seals?

[Thermos O Flask]

Seal savers are the biz,but you have to clean then out fairly often as a lot of crap gets caught inside them.Its even worse if you've ridden in sandy areas.

I'm also a big fan of air bleed valves,maybe its a wank but anything to SAVE THE SEALS!?

[gregwr450f]

I'm on my second set of seals in 10,000kms, maybe I have just been lucky.

When you refit the front wheel make sure you follow the correct procedure or the seals will leak everytime

[msgbean]

I agree gregwr450f. I also think a lot of peoples problems are that the front wheel is not tightened properly and is binding somewhere putting undue stress on the fork seals. I rarely have a leak and my seals typically last two years. I also do not use seal savers because I shiver at the thought of dirt caught under the neoprene acting like sandpaper on the fork.

[postalrider]

part 2 ,yes the dust covers also wear we 're talking thousandsths here but oil can seep uphill if its on my bike! if my seals didnt leak some i would think that i am out of fork oil!!

[WR_Dave]

I'm going to give those Seal Savers a try. There was actually a brand mentioned on this forum that was velcro'd on called Shock Sox. I'd prefer those as it would make it easier put on/take off.

I have been using the seal savers for several years with no problems. They need to be maintained like everything else on our bikes. A word of caution about the -velcro on- type, the area under the velcro strip doesn't allow the dirt grains to be "absorbed" by the neoprene and can act as a wear point. I would use the one piece type that are slid down over the forks as they will do a better job of "absorbing" the dirt particles. My .02-take it or leave it-WR Dave.

[drtbk4ever]

I have been using the seal savers for several years with no problems. They need to be maintained like everything else on our bikes. A word of caution about the -velcro on- type, the area under the velcro strip doesn't allow the dirt grains to be "absorbed" by the neoprene and can act as a wear point. I would use the one piece type that are slid down over the forks as they will do a better job of "absorbing" the dirt particles. My .02-take it or leave it-WR Dave.

Thanks for the info Dave. I always thought it would be a pain to put on the one piece, but since I have the forks off to replace the seals anyhow. What the heck.