Front Fork Seal replace?

Discussion in '6th Generation 2002-2013' started by judobrian, Feb 4, 2017.

  1. judobrian

    judobrian New Member

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    Hey -

    Im trying to put together a list of parts needed to replace my front fork seals as for one side has given up the ghost and is leaking...

    1. Bushings?
    2. Seals?
    3. Oil?
    4. ????

    I might replace the front pads too, Im not sure if oil touched them but if it did, I know the act like giant sponges for oil and would be useless.....

    Am I missing anything? Anyone know good parts/brands for this?

    Thanks!!!
     
  2. highway star

    highway star New Member

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    First try a "Motion Pro Sealmate" to clean the fork seal.
    Could just be crude causing it to leak. My right fork was leaking and after cleaning it stopped.
     
  3. Terry Smith

    Terry Smith Member

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    I have used All Balls parts in the past with good results.

    Some suggestions:
    Break loose the fork cap before you pull the forks out of the bike
    Break loose the allen head bolt in the bottom of the leg before you disassemble the fork; these are best attacked with an impact wrench if you have access to one.
    You may not need to replace the bushings but its a good idea to have a set handy; I destroyed some just driving old forks apart.
    Look over the fork tube carefully, might find a rock nick that cut the old seal. Gently file/sand down any high points.
    Put the corner of a plastic bag over the fork end when you slide the new seal on to protect the seal.
    Rubber grease is also a good idea on the new seal.
    Make sure you pay attention to orientation of the seal when you install it.
    Use the old seal to drive protect the new seal when you drive it into place
    Not a bad idea to replace the copper washer on the bottom allen bolt.
     
  4. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    Sums it up nicely, Terry !

    Buy you a pint, mate ?
    :drinker:

    But I'm not nearly sold on the value of using cheap Chinese Allballs stuff over genuine OEM.

    Best also to use OEM seals in Honda packages than trying any cheaper, no-name internet garbage.
     
  5. Lint

    Lint Member

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    Let me so you right there. I tried two of them. You may as well try shoving paper in there. I even called the company to complain. They do not work, at least not on street bikes.
     
  6. Terry Smith

    Terry Smith Member

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    As I said my experience with AllBalls fork seals and steering head bearings has been great. I get a little tired of visiting my local Honda dealer to enquire after parts, only to find they are only available ex Japan and there is a 3 week delay. And they are gouging with their prices. My local independent bike shop (Moto One in Wiri) offers fantastic service and often gets parts (like All Balls stuff) in for me overnight.
     
  7. judobrian

    judobrian New Member

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    So this is probably a dumb question, but do I need specific part numbers for the bushings and seals? Or is a standard type of thing? Ive never done this before, have a mechanic who is going to help, but I need to get the parts first.
     
  8. Terry Smith

    Terry Smith Member

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  9. judobrian

    judobrian New Member

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  10. zombie

    zombie New Member

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    I made my own with a playing card, worked for a month then leaked again. Did it again but went a little deeper, hasn't leaked since and been over a year and at least 10,000Km. it's certainly worth a try.
     
  11. VFRVogt

    VFRVogt New Member

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    Sealmate cost me like $10-12, and solved my leak. Going on 2 years since then.
    Try it, worst thing is your out a few $ BUT you could save 10x that.
     
  12. highway star

    highway star New Member

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    I first tried 35mm negative film. Got a bit out but
    the seal saver thingy worked better. Clean, pump forks
    a few times until all buggers were out. No more leaks.
     
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