LHS Fork Seal is Leaking - How far can I go?

amorley

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My LHS front fork seal is leaking. Not seriously, the fork is just wet to the touch and there is no oil splashed back on the radiator. The bike feels fine to ride, but I have another 1,700 miles to ride before I get home.

http://www.texasmorleys.com/2010-2019/2014/2014-07-Canada-Rockies/index20.html

Do I need to stop and get this fixed or can I ride another 1,700 miles / 5 days?

What do I need to watch/feel for if it gets worse?

Thanks and ride safe!
 
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I rode mine home about the same distance with a leaking fork seal . The bike didn't handle much differently except that it wallowed in the corners a little . I just made sure that the oil didn't get into my brakes .
 

970mike

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I road my ST back to California from Moonshine with no issues with a leaking fork seal. Just keep an eye on the oil leaking and wipe it up before it soaks the brakes.
 

acedantinne

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Having had a problem with the fork seal last trip out to Utah.
The leak was spraying oil on to the rad.,hitting the exhaust pipes=that smelled great, most important, the brakes were getting wet. I was heading west. 2 states to go. Than turn around. I had to get it repaired.

Rode back with just both seals leaking from Alaska trip. Wet to feel. quick wipe clean up every night. made it home, no problem.
 

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BakerBoy

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You should be fine... you could tape a paper towel onto the upper part of the lower tube to catch any drips, and wipe the tubes at each stop. I've heard the trick Steve mentions helps some seals (film negatives are often used), but I've not tried it myself.
 

Mellow

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I would first clean my fork tubes as well as possible. There may be a bug that hit them and dried on hard or just mud/dirt... if you're lucky, that's the only issue. Then, if it continues I would see about the sealmate options above.
 

Throttlejockey

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Try a small piece of plastic with a slight curve on one end and run it into the seal work it all the way around it should pull some crap out when you pull it out then bounce the forks up and down to re seat the seal it worked on mine stopped the leak.




https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=seal+mate

This works. Pull the wiper up and do this with a a film negative or something thin like that. I've used a Progressive insurance card also. Be sure the bugs are cleaned off the fork tubes also.
 

SteveST1300

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The seal mate does clean any crud that may have been pulled into the seal it is amazing what comes out oof them when you run that thing around in the seal. I noticed ooil on my right fork and ordered a couple followed the instructions and when all done no more leak. Now it may not be a permanent fix but its not leaking now.
 

T_C

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You can also maker a pseudo seal-mate from the clear plastic packaging that is over the products you buy in-store. The stuff that is glued to cardboard and shows you the product underneath. Worked for my right side fork that was leaking when I bought the bike.
 
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35mm film works well too.
Just plan on replacing your brake pads when you get home.
 
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I used some 35mm neg about 2500 mi ago on the right seal that was leaking (tube=wet) for a few months.
It IS a permanent fix! Plastic pop bottle material also works well. The hardest part was getting the uppermost guard shroud unlatched from the fork. The dust seal pops right up. Takes just a few minutes, and may save you from leaking enough oil so no other service is necessary.
 
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amorley

amorley

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Thanks for the advice! When I stopped today there was quite a lot more oil splashed back under the tip over bar on the front fairing. Oil has run down the fork but the brake looks clear of any oil.

I have wiped off the fork and used the hook from the "Do Not Disturb" sign from my motel to get under the seal and try and clear any crud that might be spoiling the seal.

Hwy 191 and the Coronado Trail all the way to Silver City tomorrow so lots of twisties to keep that fork busy! :shrug1::shrug2::shrug1::shrug2:
 

SteveST1300

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Great idea on the hook from the motel door sign. I would think thats almost perfect let us know how it works out.
 
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amorley

amorley

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Thanks again for all your advice. I arrived home safely in Houston early this morning after a 1,200 mile run Arizona. The front LHS fork is still leaking slightly after trying to clean it using a small piece of plastic as recommended. I think I reduced the leak but did not fix it so will be booking it into the shop for new seals on both forks.
 
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