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Could use some help with fork stuff

  1. #1

    Post Could use some help with fork stuff

    Hey guys so went out and inspected the bike today like I do before everyride and noticed my fork seals are going and starting to leak pretty bad I had notice it about a week ago. But didn't think they were leaking that bad. I live in the Burlington VT area was curious if anyone has done a fork seal change before and who is comfortable doing them. And could possibly run me through how to do it I would pay for everything that we would need Just reallllly don't wanna have to pay a asston of money to have a shop do it! Thanks guys anyone who could help is welcome to PM me or just post! payment in beer/moonshine if that helps at all hahaha

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  2. #2
    Super Adventurer SRTie4k's Avatar
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    Re: Could use some help with fork stuff

    I'd recommend you try cleaning the oil seals first with something like a Seal Doctor.

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    2023 KTM 890 Adventure R

  3. #3

    Re: Could use some help with fork stuff

    Oh okay never even thought about that does that kinda repair the seals?

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  4. #4
    Lifer jasnmar's Avatar
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    Re: Could use some help with fork stuff

    Usually leaking seals are caused because of bugs / dirt / other assorted crap getting stuck between them and the fork tube.

    Leaking seals can also be cause by cracked / broken seals, but it is much less likely.

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  5. #5

    Re: Could use some help with fork stuff

    okay looks like I gotta just spend some time really getting after it might be a stupid question but brake clean on a rag would that help or just end up eating away at the seals?

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  6. #6
    Lifer jasnmar's Avatar
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    Re: Could use some help with fork stuff

    If the seals are leaking then something has been drug down in between the seal and the tube (probably). You'll need to get it out. A piece of film (if you can find it) or something like a Seal Doctor or Seal Mate can help get whatever junk is in there out.

    I didn't actually watch this. The guy could be an idiot, but it looked like this guy was going to demonstrate how to use a seal mate.


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  7. #7

    Re: Could use some help with fork stuff

    perfect ill give that a look thanks guys was really hoping it was something like this and not a broken seal cause things with forks scares the crap out of me cause ive never done it and really don't wanna go screwing with stuff I know nothing about

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  8. #8

    Re: Could use some help with fork stuff

    Quote Originally Posted by jasnmar View Post
    Usually leaking seals are caused because of bugs / dirt / other assorted crap getting stuck between them and the fork tube.

    Leaking seals can also be cause by cracked / broken seals, but it is much less likely.
    My leaking seals were caused by wheelies. Lol

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  9. #9

    Re: Could use some help with fork stuff

    yeah I should also state that I was doing some wheeling at the end of last season not all the time but on occasion But still looks like I gotta go to my local shop anyway see if they have this tool

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  10. #10
    Is this thing on? Mr. Kurtz's Avatar
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    Re: Could use some help with fork stuff

    Or by strapping the bike down too hard, I hear that causes fork seals to leak.
    Quote Originally Posted by tsorfas View Post
    My leaking seals were caused by wheelies. Lol

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  11. #11

    Re: Could use some help with fork stuff

    Quote Originally Posted by Mr. Kurtz View Post
    Or by strapping the bike down too hard, I hear that causes fork seals to leak.
    Hey that was my rookie season lol. Lesson learned.

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  12. #12
    Lifer typeone's Avatar
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    Re: Could use some help with fork stuff

    with those seal tools, i always wonder how you know where to insert it. what if you insert it right where the debris is? then you just push it up and don't actually clear i properly.

    you say both seals are leaking... i'd skip the tool and just replace the seals.

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  13. #13
    Super Moderator OreoGaborio's Avatar
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    Re: Could use some help with fork stuff

    Quote Originally Posted by typeone View Post
    with those seal tools, i always wonder how you know where to insert it. what if you insert it right where the debris is? then you just push it up and don't actually clear i properly.

    you say both seals are leaking... i'd skip the tool and just replace the seals.
    Well..... I guess chance are that it's not on the trailing side of the fork. I've never used one, just figure most debris is gonna hit the front facing side.

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  14. #14
    Lifer typeone's Avatar
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    Re: Could use some help with fork stuff

    Quote Originally Posted by OreoGaborio View Post
    Well..... I guess chance are that it's not on the trailing side of the fork. I've never used one, just figure most debris is gonna hit the front facing side.
    good point! (i'm also coming from off-road which is of cousre diff than road debris)

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  15. #15
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    Re: Could use some help with fork stuff

    Before you buy the tool try taking a pair of good scissors to a 2L soda bottle and making your own. Worked for me when I had a minor oil leak on my last bike, might as well try it before anything else - unless your seals are dry rotted then spend the money.

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  16. #16
    Lifer
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    Re: Could use some help with fork stuff

    I bought one of those tools the other day. Haven't used it yet. I don't know if it matters, but it feels thinner than a soda bottle plastic.

    Edit for clarity: Seal Mate, the blue motion pro tool.

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    Last edited by aldend123; 04-21-17 at 12:00 PM.
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  17. #17
    Super Adventurer SRTie4k's Avatar
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    Re: Could use some help with fork stuff

    My Seal Doctor is definitely thicker. I think you'd be fine with a soda bottle or milk jug.

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