running fork air pressure

[Guest]

I have been running about 10 psi pressure in my forks for a few years with the stock springs. I upgraded to progressive springs and let the pressure out and a few months later and my fork seals are leaking
I am wondering if running some air pressure helps the seals, or is it just a coincidence?

[hampshirehog]

It's just a coincidence. Or did you maybe overfill the forks?

[gearhead13]

It's just a coincidence. Or did you maybe overfill the forks?

I believe I filled them with the proper amount, its been a few years since I rebuilt them. No leaks for 3 years or so then I let out the air pressure and soon after they are leaking. The forks were running lower with the new springs and no pressure, I wonder if that had something to do with it

[hampshirehog]

They shouldn't have run lower. Did you make up the spacer following the instructions with the new springs?

[gearhead13]

They shouldn't have run lower. Did you make up the spacer following the instructions with the new springs?

The instructions said no spacer. They have adjustable preload at the top.
I set them at the lowest setting, but have cranked it up two notches since.

[salty_monk]

Any rust spots in the near area on the fork leg? Maybe a small tear.... Do you run all year round? Maybe they dried out over the winter.

Did you try running some very fine plastic (like a 35mm photo negative) around between the fork leg & the seal? Sometimes if there is a bit of crud there this cleans it out & they seal again.

Unless you do no mileage a year 3 and a bit years may not be too bad for fork seals...

OEM seals or aftermarket?

[gearhead13]

Any rust spots in the near area on the fork leg? Maybe a small tear.... Do you run all year round? Maybe they dried out over the winter.

Did you try running some very fine plastic (like a 35mm photo negative) around between the fork leg & the seal? Sometimes if there is a bit of crud there this cleans it out & they seal again.

Unless you do no mileage a year 3 and a bit years may not be too bad for fork seals...

OEM seals or aftermarket?

I ride it almost all year round. I bought the seals from Z1 I think, so probably K&L. Used K&L to rebuild my master cylinder too and haven't had a problem.
I put about 9psi back in them, I'll ride it for a while and see what happens.

[salty_monk]

try the plastic trick... you might be surprised

[gearhead13]

try the plastic trick... you might be surprised

Thats a good idea, but I would have to dig REALLY deep to find a photo negative So far no luck.
Trying to think of something else to use