Fingers crossed that I fixed my fork seal leak... Hopefully!

[MICRider]

I had a weeping seal on my front left fork. It started leaking at only 2400 km's. Never had one konk out that quick before! I bought a set of new seals online, All Balls brand, but after reading a few reviews it seems people have had a lot of problems with the All Balls seals so I was reluctant to install them. At the suggestion of people here and on the KLR forum I decided to try to clean the seal with a SealMate.

I pulled the boot up and slid up the wiper to use the seal saver and found what I think was causing my leak... The fork tube had a tiny little mark in it. Almost like a little pit or nick, but you could catch your fingernail on it. Pretty sure that was causing the problem. I'm guessing that the seal is damaged and will need replaced anyway, but I got some superfine wet/dry sandpaper and gingerly polished out the nick until it felt smooth and no longer catches your nail. Then I ran the SealMate around the tube twice to clean the seal lip and pumped the forks 20 or so times... No leaks!!

I'm guessing that I'll have to change out the seals anyway, but at least I think I found the problem. Not leaking right now so I'll keep a close eye on it. Funny part is, why would the fork have a nick in the tube? The bike has boots on the forks so no gravel hits them and it's only 3 years old now with low mileage. Guess maybe it was like that since manufacture?

So, I'm impressed with the SealMate and if the fork doesn't leak anymore I will be very happy! Now, to just be able to find the time to ride...

Cheers,
Stew

[Weldangrind]

That's good news. I'm not sure what SealMate is; can you describe it?

[MICRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

That's good news. I'm not sure what SealMate is; can you describe it?

It's just a little piece of plastic that you slide between the fork tube and the seal (after prying the wiper up and out of the way). It has a hook on the end and is supposed to pull out little bits of grit and dust that keep your seal from sealing. I think it was FastDoc that also said you could use a piece of 35mm film negative to do the same thing. Just a quick and easy thing to try before I rip the forks apart (yuck!). Here's a link to the company http://www.sealmate.net/
I've talked to people that have had great success with them, so I'm hoping if my seals not cut up by the nick that it did the trick.

Cheers,
Stew

[Weldangrind]

Excellent! Thanks for the link. The video was very convincing.

Glad to see they come in Honda red.

[JTCAndrew]

Sweet - That was educational. I will definately remember that one. The tool is pretty cool, but I'm sure we all have some material laying around to FAB up our own. Then again for $5 I'd probably buy some to throw in the toolbox. - Thanks for sharing the link....

[MICRider]

I've also been told that you can use a feeler gauge held at an angle, but you have to be careful not to cut the seal with the sharp feeler gauge. I was going to try the film trick but I couldn't find any 35mm negatives laying around . When I ordered mine they sent a spare so I got two for the price of one. I might end up replacing the seals anyway if the nick cut it, but wanted to give this a shot anyway.

Cheers,
Stew

[SpudRider]

I'm glad you fixed the problem, Stew! To clean the grit from my oil seals I have used a feeler gauge, and paint sample strips I obtained from Lowes. Some riders employ business cards for the same purpose. As with you, I don't know where I would obtain any 35 mm film negatives! 8O The Seal Saver looks like a great tool. However, as a China Rider, I'm too frugal, i.e. cheap, to buy one. :roll:

Spud