Fork problem?

[Robert Taylor]

its me again.. still having fork problems again.

I replaced the seal on the fork that was giving problems a few months back. but it has started leaking again. I managed to get some time to have a look at it again and theres hardly any oil in it. I have another seal. Im guessing if I replace it again. it will just get broken again and leak in a few months time, any ideas on what to do?

another thing is when it comes to seperating the 2 pieces of the fork how do you get to the bolt that holds the 2 pieces together? the last time I worked on it I had to take it to a bike shop and pay for it to get done. didnt have a problem putting it back together.

The lock bolt is in a deep recess requiring a long socket head allen key to access it. As the bike shop had to purchase that tool it is therefore reasonable that they charged you for the job, given also they are paying for the mechanics time.

If the seal is leaking again there are several possible causes;

1 ) Pitted or damaged tubes that in turn damage the seals

2) 20 years of fork bushing wear, more wear equals seal distortion.

3) The recesses in the outer tubes that the bushings sit in ( just under the seals ) could be flogged out.

4) Excuse me for saying so, possible poor installation. Proper suspension specialists have special installing tools that instal the seals squarely and evenly without disortion. Driving the seal in cold is also a no no.

5 ) Low quality aftermarket cheap and nasty seal? There are more than a few out there in the market.

6 ) Bug spatters on the chrome legs, contact with heavy duty cleaning solvents that harm the seals ( another big no no ) etc

7 ) Not replacing the first line of defence, the dust seals. These do wear out.

[Folcan]

well ive taken it all apart. apart from getting it seperated. and its all pitted. which is why the seal has gone again.

is there any hope for getting it fixed or is it not worth fixing it?

[Robert Taylor]

well ive taken it all apart. apart from getting it seperated. and its all pitted. which is why the seal has gone again.

is there any hope for getting it fixed or is it not worth fixing it?

New tubes ( if still available ) or rehardchroming and grinding to size. Used parts are usually a waste of time because they will have the same issues