Lithium Grease Under Dust Seals

[scott367]

I want to put some lithium grease under my dust seals. I read on here that that should help the seals to last longer. When looking through my manual last night, it doesn't show how the seal is removed. It appears that it is simply pressed into the fork tube and to remove it I would just pry it out with a screwdriver. Is this the procedure? Also how do I reinstall it? Is there a special tool to press it back in? It is a 2004 WR 250 F.

[CV4]

Gently pry it out with a screwdriver. To put it back in, try to push it back in by hand. If this doesn't work you can lightly tap it in with a plastic mallet.

[SureBlue]

The dustseals come off easily with a dull knife or a screwdriver and back on by just pushing them on place.

Despite what the manual and some respected members here say, I would not put anything under the dust seals. If you need to put something, maybe only a bit silicone.

Why? Because once the forks move down they leave a greasy surface on the for tubes which catches dirt and dust. That gets carried inside the dustseals and to the seals resulting in a leak. My experience, and you are allowed to disagree. I have had no troubles after only keeping the dustseals clean.

[treehopper]

If you need to put something, maybe only a bit silicone...

and you are allowed to disagree.

Thanks for your permission to disagree. You're not supposed to use silicone or anything containing silicone (polish, tire shine, whatever) on the fork seals or the inner tubes. The reason is the same as why you can't use silicone (DOT 5) brake fluid: it leaks past seals that aren't made for it. On fork seals, the silicone will provide a path for the oil to follow.

[SureBlue]

Thanks for your permission to disagree. You're not supposed to use silicone or anything containing silicone (polish, tire shine, whatever) on the fork seals or the inner tubes. The reason is the same as why you can't use silicone (DOT 5) brake fluid: it leaks past seals that aren't made for it. On fork seals, the silicone will provide a path for the oil to follow.

Thanks for the information. You have the perrmission to choose one of the following replies:

1. I said maybe only a bit silicone

2. some types of silicones may be used

3. good to know, as I get older I learn more by listening to others

4. you are totally wrong, never heard of silicone being a bad lubricant, even WD40 contains silicone

?

[treehopper]

Thanks for the information. You have the perrmission to choose one of the following replies:

1. I said maybe only a bit silicone

2. some types of silicones may be used

3. good to know, as I get older I learn more by listening to others

4. you are totally wrong, never heard of silicone being a bad lubricant, even WD40 contains silicone

?

Thank-you. I choose #3. because of a memo addressed to BMW motorcycle mechanics in the early '80s.

My second choice is #1. because seal material probably has changed since a mechanic read me that memo.

My third choice is #4. because if #1. is correct, so would be #4.

I would never choose #2. because there is only one type of silicone lubricant, no matter what it is mixed with to form polishes, greases, or oils.

I quite enjoy these gentleman's arguments, old chap. Cheerio!

[mattoak]

Thank-you. I choose #3. because of a memo addressed to BMW motorcycle mechanics in the early '80s.

My second choice is #1. because seal material probably has changed since a mechanic read me that memo.

My third choice is #4. because if #1. is correct, so would be #4.

I would never choose #2. because there is only one type of silicone lubricant, no matter what it is mixed with to form polishes, greases, or oils.

I quite enjoy these gentleman's arguments, old chap. Cheerio!

??

Did you try to make it that confusing? lol

[SureBlue]

I quite enjoy these gentleman's arguments, old chap. Cheerio!

Thanks, hope you enjoyed even half the much I did when writing. ?

[scott367]

The manual specifically says lithium or soap based lubricant on the dust seals. (2004 WR250F)

[SureBlue]

Despite what the manual and some respected members here say, I would not put anything under the dust seals.

Scott, did I or did I not say it?

I don't know anyone who puts grease in there, but you too have the permission to do it if you like. Perhaps you also follow the break-in procedure á la manual?

FYI, I don't even lube my cables, I keep them dry and have never problems with dirt sticking on them. Now what does the manual say here?

?

[CV4]

I've tried it with grease and without and didn't see a noticable difference. I have been using Seal Savers for about 2 years and haven't had a leaking fork seal since.

As for lubing the cables, I lube mine after every 4 to 5 rides and can tell a difference but to each his own.