Back on the road but bl##dy fork seal

[Guest]

Spent ther last 5 months getting the 1979 GS1000 back to pristine condition, fitted many parts including a new starter clutch, falicon clutch, Raask rearsets, Avon Roadrider tyres, progressive springs and new fork seals just to mention a few things. She flew through her MOT with no advisories, got the road licence and freedom at last, back on the road. Did a 20 miles trip and on returning noticed the right hand fork oil seal weeping, b#gger!. Does this mean another fork strip down?

If so is it okay just to change the one fork leg oil seal and of course use the same rating fork oil and correct level.

[Agemax]

if you have just replaced the fork seals and one is leaking you need to find out why?
it will be fine to replace just one seal as the other one is brand new also.

[gs79]

To be honest I cannot see any reason why the seal is leaking. I will probably get the original OEM seals to see what happens.

[Agemax]

To be honest I cannot see any reason why the seal is leaking. I will probably get the original OEM seals to see what happens.

that is probably your problem, if you buy OEM then replace both while you are at it. you dont want the other seal to POP when you are out on a run

[trevor]

I just posted that after putting in progressive springs and new seals, that I too have one leaking.

[gs79]

Its so frustrating, particularly after just having one of the warmest days of the year so far here in the UK, could of been burning up some tarmac. Just ordered some OEM ones and it is back to splitting things down again.

[gs79]

Just a question about the fork bushes, have taken the weeping fork leg part and checking the top bush there is a slight scratch could this cause the fork seals to weep?

[salty_monk]

Make sure there are no rust pits in the fork travel area. If there are then sand down with 1000 grit wet n dry. It'll come back so keep on top of it.

My aftermarket seals just started leaking after 11,000 miles including a trip to Baja where it went in the dirt & dust bumping down to campsites etc.

Good trick on the forks with an air cap - take the spring clip off above the seal, pump 150PSI or so & the seal will pop right out. (with a load of oily air so put a rag over it). Put the new one on using a 2' length of black PVC pipe from Home Depot as a drift (costs about $1.50.
Much quicker than stripping down the forks if you know the rest of the internals are good.
Still have to remove the fork leg from the bike obviously.