how long are fork seals meant to last?

[phil_elvey]

I would appreciate some input on this...
I had my fork seals done about 4-4,500kms ago by the shop here in Palmy, and then the day I notice oil all over one of my front brakes, and blow me down one of my seals has gone again. I haven't hit any pot holes or anything (like that bloke on the castlepoint ride the other day), just been typical riding.

Should I take the bike back to shop and demand that they give me some sort of compensation towards the cost of getting another put in again?? Is it possible that their workmanship is partly/wholly to blame?

[White trash]

I would appreciate some input on this...
I had my fork seals done about 4-4,500kms ago by the shop here in Palmy, and then the day I notice oil all over one of my front brakes, and blow me down one of my seals has gone again. I haven't hit any pot holes or anything (like that bloke on the castlepoint ride the other day), just been typical riding.

Should I take the bike back to shop and demand that they give me some sort of compensation towards the cost of getting another put in again?? Is it possible that their workmanship is partly/wholly to blame?

Phil. 3 possibiltys here.

1st, they used after market seals which are crap and never last.

2nd, you've got pitted fork tubes.

3rd, you've let me ride your bike at some stage and my piss poor wheelie atempts have fucked them.

[Paul in NZ]

I'd go back (or phone up) and explain the problem patiently and politely. Explain that your expectation was that these new seals would last a little long than they did and what, in their opinion is the likely cause....

ie At least give them a chance...

There are many reasons why they could be rooted

Asking nicely never hurt....

[Jackrat]

They should last a lot longer then that.
Dead bugs can get very hard and root the seals, but other than that??
I've only ever had to change seals after very high Kms and never done the same bike twice.
Good luck with the shop.

[Mongoose]

I'd go back (or phone up) and explain the problem patiently and politely. Explain that your expectation was that these new seals would last a little long than they did and what, in their opinion is the likely cause....

ie At least give them a chance...

There are many reasons why they could be rooted

Asking nicely never hurt....

Paul, glad to see you did not drop down to your usual level on "blowing seals"

[Paul in NZ]

Paul, glad to see you did not drop down to your usual level on "blowing seals"

I was SERIOUSLY tempted when he wanted to know how long a seal could hold up....

[FROSTY:Me]

ohh and option 4 -check you dont have a slightly bent fork leg.
its also possible the seal lip might have been slightly torn putting it in

[Gixxer 4 ever]

I would appreciate some input on this...
I had my fork seals done about 4-4,500kms ago by the shop here in Palmy, and then the day I notice oil all over one of my front brakes, and blow me down one of my seals has gone again. I haven't hit any pot holes or anything (like that bloke on the castlepoint ride the other day), just been typical riding.

Should I take the bike back to shop and demand that they give me some sort of compensation towards the cost of getting another put in again?? Is it possible that their workmanship is partly/wholly to blame?

Covered well above. Rub the chrome with your finger tip to see if you can feel any small stone chips in the chrome. All around the shaft front and back. If yes then you have a problem. The seals will never last. The base metal rusts when the chrome is damaged so you have sharp edges from the damaged chrome and a small hole from the missing chrome. But when the base steel rusts you have a harsh lump. All these will damage the seals. I priced rechroming a few years ago and was $200.00 a shaft. Not a good option at that price. The shop should have had a good look at the chrome and called you if it was damaged but many do not. Been there and done that. A pain.
I have re built front shocks with a 3 mm bend and as long as the shaft has no Chrome damage they will seal.

[Kereama]

I had problems with my upsidedowner on the monster with seals. I glued leather sleeves 6 inches long. Just above the seal. and they hang down to cover part of the forks. It works fine keeps all the bugs and dust out. Have never had to replace them again. I used some Oppossum leather a mate had cured it was very thin and they lasted 5 years, before I had to replaced them(leather sleeves). The seals are still ok. 10yrs on.

[phil_elvey]

Choice, yeah I had the seal replaced yesterday, this time with a genuine one (cheers WT) so hopefully that should hold up a bit better. I might look at getting a sock for them too

[Mongoose]

Choice, yeah I had the seal replaced yesterday, this time with a genuine one (cheers WT) so hopefully that should hold up a bit better. I might look at getting a sock for them too

Ahhhhh, Ye Olde English Gaiters, I thought they were to keep the oil in?

[Posh Tourer :P]

Hooray for gaiters.... They are there to stop you realising you have blown seals....

[Motu]

Dedicated followers of fashion eh? At one time gaiters were considered way uncool and removed,and then removed by the manufacterer altogether cause it looked just so much better .Forks and seals last so much longer with them on - get dirt bike gaiters,you can get them to match the colour of your bike.

[Paul in NZ]

Hooray for gaiters.... They are there to stop you realising you have blown seals....

ish funny... I thought it was strong liqour wot stopped you realising you have blown seals??

Mine you, you'd sober up pretty quick if you did try to blow a gator....



(sorry, just could not stand it anymore)

[Posh Tourer :P]

I thought that might tempt you a bit much....