Preferred Fork Seals?

[Mysuzyq]

Looking for some input re. quality/brand ....the OEM Suzuki seals lasted 3 years (fork pressure 11 psi)....is this normal in terms of life expectancy? In any case, I came across these "Leak Proof ' seals and may give them a try in the spring...has anyone here installed them in the GS with good results? They supposedly are guaranteed against leakage for the life of the bike ( I dont suppose they know how long these GS's last ). BTW, these can be snagged on ebay way cheaper than the listed prices. Any thoughts on the Vesrah seals (my second choice)....wondering if its not pretty much a crap shoot where sometimes seals last for years, and other times they will weep gently after a couple seasons?

http://www.motohaus.com/html/seals/leakproof%20intro.htm

Tony.

[Boondocks]

My take on the subject is that it's the pressurized fork itself which is causing the fork seal failure. The pressurized forks put additional stress on the seals, which leads to their fairly early demise. Air pressure also causes stiction (static friction) in the forks, resulting in binding that wouldn't be present in unpressurized forks.

When my seals started leaking in 1988, I replaced them with OEM seals. I also depressurized the forks, and replaced the stock springs with Progressive Suspension springs. The seals have held up for 18 years and counting, and the progressive springs work much better and give better control than the stock spring and air setup.

[earlfor]

I have done as Boondocks said. I replaced the seals (Vesrah) on my 1150 about 4 years ago and installed Progressive springs. I stopped using air pressure in the forks. The seals still dont leak a drop.

Earl

[chef1366]

My take on the subject is that it's the pressurized fork itself which is causing the fork seal failure. The pressurized forks put additional stress on the seals, which leads to their fairly early demise. Air pressure also causes stiction (static friction) in the forks, resulting in binding that wouldn't be present in unpressurized forks.

When my seals started leaking in 1988, I replaced them with OEM seals. I also depressurized the forks, and replaced the stock springs with Progressive Suspension springs. The seals have held up for 18 years and counting, and the progressive springs work much better and give better control than the stock spring and air setup.

I have done as Boondocks said. I replaced the seals (Vesrah) on my 1150 about 4 years ago and installed Progressive springs. I stopped using air pressure in the forks. The seals still dont leak a drop.

Earl

Ditto....................

[Dink]

My take on the subject is that it's the pressurized fork itself which is causing the fork seal failure. The pressurized forks put additional stress on the seals, which leads to their fairly early demise. Air pressure also causes stiction (static friction) in the forks, resulting in binding that wouldn't be present in unpressurized forks.

When my seals started leaking in 1988, I replaced them with OEM seals. I also depressurized the forks, and replaced the stock springs with Progressive Suspension springs. The seals have held up for 18 years and counting, and the progressive springs work much better and give better control than the stock spring and air setup.

I have done as Boondocks said. I replaced the seals (Vesrah) on my 1150 about 4 years ago and installed Progressive springs. I stopped using air pressure in the forks. The seals still dont leak a drop.

Earl

Ditto....................

Double Ditto!!!

Dink

[patrick1]

I have to replace the seals in my 850. It is 79 model with the gas. can i just replace the seals and not replace the gas. or do i need to put in new springs.

[Boondocks]

I have to replace the seals in my 850. It is 79 model with the gas. can i just replace the seals and not replace the gas. or do i need to put in new springs.

You can use the same springs with air pressure if you choose, but it isn't recommended. The OEM fork springs weren't that great to begin with, and after 27 years they have probably become somewhat sacked. If you continue to use air pressure, the fork seals will go bad early as mentioned.

It's better to bite the bullet and buy new Progressive Suspension springs and deactivate the air pressure suspension. They aren't that expensive, the bike will handle better, and your fork seals will last much longer.

[patrick1]

I am gettting a 850g 1982 model from "tool" a member on here. Mine is 79 n model. His forks are just sprung no pressure. I suppose they would work. One of his seals are also broken. So I must fix them anyway. thanks for your response.

[Mysuzyq]

Guys, thanks for the replies...I will go with the recommended set up, come spring. Already picked up the P.S. springs on ebay last year, was gonna use them sfter the OEM ones showed signs of 'sacking' (14,000 miles on the bike), but will be a good idea to do it all while replacing the seals. May even be the guineau pig for the 'Leak-Proof' seals if I come across a good deal on ebay!

Tony.

[Footy.]

Guys, thanks for the replies...I will go with the recommended set up, come spring. Already picked up the P.S. springs on ebay last year, was gonna use them sfter the OEM ones showed signs of 'sacking' (14,000 miles on the bike), but will be a good idea to do it all while replacing the seals. May even be the guineau pig for the 'Leak-Proof' seals if I come across a good deal on ebay!

Tony.

I have had some problems with STD seals, both genuine Suzuki and pattern ones. I fitted new progressive springs (Hagon) when i rebuilt my 78 GS750E last year with new seals from MPS (England).

These have always "weeped" slightly on both legs. I replaced them with genuine seals, but still had the problem. No air pressure in this model, and oil levels were spot on. There was no issues with burrs or dents on the legs or any other factor that would cause a leak as far as i could tell.

On a long run one weekend i stopped for gas, and noticed oil all over the right side of the front of the engine. This turned out to be the right fork seal had popped altogether!

I decided to try the "leakproof" seals, and there has been not a drop of oil leaking since! These are a novel design that moves slightly in the housing, but they certainly cured my problem.

One thing i noticed was a slight increase in "sticktion" for a few days, but they seemed to run in OK, and no problems since.

Footy.

[Mysuzyq]

Thanks, Footy. Intrestingly enough, Leak-Proof claim their design and materials reduce stiction by 80% over stock, esp. with their higher end 'moly' product ....however, good to hear they have lived up to the name .

Tony.