Rant/question: Dust seals

**sgtp** · 5th April 2013, 08:50

First, me rant: I had a shop service my forks about a year ago as one side was leaking. I was happy to hear that they went ahead and straightened the slider tubes that had a slight bow in it, but what incredibly suprised and annoyed that they only replaced the oil seal and not the external dust seals! At the time of the repair, the dust seals had slight cracks where it came in contact with the tube, but the shop guy insisted they are fine and theres no need to replace them. I didnt buy that BS, but just said fuck it and left.

Second, the questions: fast forward to today, I am due for a wof, and now my dust seals are looking a lot worse. Can dodgey looking dust seals fail a warrant? One looks no different from before, but the other has a think layer rubber delaminating (thickness of a latex glove).

Yes, I will get them replaced, but will I not pass a warrant till I replace them? I could post pics later..

**jellywrestler** · 5th April 2013, 08:53

Originally Posted by sgtp

First, me rant: I had a shop service my forks about a year ago as one side was leaking. I was happy to hear that they went ahead and straightened the slider tubes that had a slight bow in it, but what incredibly suprised and annoyed that they only replaced the oil seal and not the external dust seals! At the time of the repair, the dust seals had slight cracks where it came in contact with the tube, but the shop guy insisted they are fine and theres no need to replace them. I didnt buy that BS, but just said fuck it and left.

Second, the questions: fast forward to today, I am due for a wof, and now my dust seals are looking a lot worse. Can dodgey looking dust seals fail a warrant? One looks no different from before, but the other has a think layer rubber delaminating (thickness of a latex glove).

Yes, I will get them replaced, but will I not pass a warrant till I replace them? I could post pics later..

one year later they look worse. How many times have you paid attention to them over the year and given them a clean? you know, part of the regular maintenance like lubing a chain etc or are you just gonna blame the shop for a job done a year ago????

**Rhys** · 5th April 2013, 09:13

Dust seal isn't a WOF issue, only if oil is leaking

**Akzle** · 5th April 2013, 16:25

shat dust seals? your bike is fucked. i'll give you ten bucks for it.

**Robert Taylor** · 5th April 2013, 19:37

Pedigree race bikes run with no dust seals. As long as the main oil seals are not leaking I see no reason why it shouldnt pass with grotty looking dust seals. But if they are grotty then they will no longer be doing their job which of course will bring forward the day that the main seals leak.

**rustic101** · 5th April 2013, 19:41

Mine just failed a WoF @11000 for dust/oil seals...
My advise try a sealmate (about $7) or brace yourself for a few hundy to replace

**Laava** · 5th April 2013, 20:22

Originally Posted by Robert Taylor

Pedigree race bikes run with no dust seals. As long as the main oil seals are not leaking I see no reason why it shouldnt pass with grotty looking dust seals. But if they are grotty then they will no longer be doing their job which of course will bring forward the day that the main seals leak.

Yep, you could just cut the rooted dust seals off for a wof.
BTW it does not cost hundreds to replace dust seals/boots. About fifteen quid from wemoto.com

**FJRider** · 5th April 2013, 20:33

Originally Posted by sgtp

but the shop guy insisted they are fine and theres no need to replace them. I didnt buy that BS, but just said fuck it and left.

Quite right too ... what the fuck do those shop guys know anyway. An experienced bike mechanic/rider like yourself would know better ... right .. ???

Originally Posted by sgtp

Second, the questions: fast forward to today, I am due for a wof, and now my dust seals are looking a lot worse. Can dodgey looking dust seals fail a warrant? One looks no different from before, but the other has a think layer rubber delaminating (thickness of a latex glove).

Yes, I will get them replaced, but will I not pass a warrant till I replace them? I could post pics later..

If in your experienced opinion (A YEAR AGO) thought they NEEDED replacing ... why did you NOT replace them then .. ???

And if you aren't aware what is required for your bike to pass a WoF ... perhaps you aren't as smart as you try to make out.

**FJRider** · 5th April 2013, 20:43

Originally Posted by sgtp

Yes, I will get them replaced, but will I not pass a warrant till I replace them? I could post pics later..

A cheap fix ..

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...post1130142574

**rustic101** · 5th April 2013, 21:18

Originally Posted by Laava

Yep, you could just cut the rooted dust seals off for a wof.
BTW it does not cost hundreds to replace dust seals/boots. About fifteen quid from wemoto.com

$390 from my local bike shop was the quote.

Trained/qualified mechanic neighbour did it for far far less than than.

**AllanB** · 5th April 2013, 22:21

Originally Posted by rustic101

$390 from my local bike shop was the quote.

WTF - for DUST seals/covers? Not oil seals? The dust covers are there to keek crap off the tubs and thus oil seals - not required by WOF.

We talking about the same part?

**rustic101** · 5th April 2013, 22:48

Originally Posted by AllanB

WTF - for DUST seals/covers? Not oil seals? The dust covers are there to keek crap off the tubs and thus oil seals - not required by WOF.

We talking about the same part?

Yes - My initial reply was a little stronger.