fork seal question and fork seal parts number question

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Hi everyone, my 2005 st1300 has 34K on it, and I notice on the right side fork I get a very light coating of oil. I've tried cleaning the seal as per some suggestions here but no change.

Does this mean I have to do my seals, or should I wait for it to develop? No other signs of leakage, and the coating is very light. I should pose my question like this: would you be comfortable setting out on a 4000 mile tour with this condition in place?

I also notice there are two different parts numbers for seals that fit st1300: 91254-MCA-003 and 51490MCA003. Are these interchangeable? Thanks for any info on these two questions.
 

T_C

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I'd be comfortable with doing the ride. You still have the other fork to dampen the springs.

But.. it is only a half day job to pull the forks and swap the seals. Maybe re-do the springs if your weight is much off from the idea Japaneese rider.
 

dduelin

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It's just me I'd do the seals. If it gets worse you run the risk of interrupting or ruining part of the trip.

Seal kit #51490-MCA-003 is a set of the seals and the dust wipers. #91254-MCA-003 is just the dust wiper. The latter part number does not give you the seals you need to stop the leak.
 
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I'd go on the trip as is too, but I'd add a diaper that might stop it from getting worse on your ride.
 
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Little weeps have a habit of becoming bigger leaks, and on a long ride you can end up with fork oil leaking into a brake caliper and contaminating the pads, which as well as making for exciting stopping, then need to be replaced. So follow your mother's advice, "a stitch in time saves nine".

I have not replaced the dust wipers when replacing fork seals, but I do always give the parts a good clean, and take a close look over the fork tube for any rock nicks that can later damage the new seal. These can be dressed down with a fine file if needed.
 
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Definitely do the seals...if they decide to go it will probably end up going on your trip plus you will be worrying about it the whole trip. Do the seals it's not that hard and have a safe and fun trip and not even think about the forks!
 
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you didn't specify your mechanical aptitude, if you're familiar with wrenching on things its not a difficult job, and worth doing before the long ride. Also, don't buy new dust seals, they never need replacement unless you somehow damage one of them, which is extremely rare. If you buy just the oil seals the parts are cheap, and aftermarket seals are an option (sorry, don't have the size handy for the 1300, I ride an 1100).

Bottom line is its something that needs to be addressed sooner or later, so doing it sooner makes a lot more sense unless you have some really good reason not to.

If you're going to pay someone else to do the work anyway, I'm guessing you'll come across a motorcycle shop somewhere in your 4000 mile journey if the condition gets too bad to continue riding with it.
 
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You should restore full function to the forks before setting out on the trip... if enough oil is lost, you suspension will be compromised. Handling will suffer and you can wear the front tire out prematurely! Not only will you have to address the seals later, you may as suggested, replace front brake pads from contamination, and possibly replace the front tire. Yes... do the seals now.
 
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34k is way to soon to wear out seals! I would try cleaning them again, I think you gave up too soon!
Either follow the vid Al posted above, or buy (or copy) http://sealmate.net/
I agree, small piece of sand will make it leak, if you catch it soon enough, you'll be able to put many more miles on your seals. Also clean them say once or twice a year, even if thier not leaking as a preventative measure. I'm still on my original seals and oil with 134k and that's what I do.
 
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I'm still on my original seals and oil with 134k and that's what I do.
I thought I was bad at pushing the limits on recommended maintenance intervals that I believe are too frequent, I am impressed. I gotta wonder though how your fork internals look with that old dirty oil sloshing around in there.
 
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I thought I was bad at pushing the limits on recommended maintenance intervals that I believe are too frequent, I am impressed. I gotta wonder though how your fork internals look with that old dirty oil sloshing around in there.
Well the moment of truth has arrived. I rode my bike all winter when there was no snow or ice on the road, but the grit that was thrown up there has worn the seals out. Any recommendations on where to purchase the seals and wipers from.
 

T_C

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Mine jusr came from a local MC shop. Luckily these are not unique ST only parts. They weren't cheap, but they were instantly available.
 

The Dan

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All Balls seals found on e-bay. Part # 56-139 , about $25 for the seals and wipers.
 
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I've always used the cheap generic ones from Parts Unlimited or whoever and they seem to last the same as the OEM ones that came on the bike. They're typically $10-15 a pair. The dust seals don't really need to be replaced unless they are somehow physically damaged, so I never change them.
 
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Honda had the Seal kit #51490-MCA-003 that had the seals and the dust wipers in stock, so I picked them up on the way home. Also picked up some 7 weight oil there also. Off to the sick bay to put them on.
 
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Honda SS-7 fork oil or another brand?
The oil he sold me was Maxima 125-150 7wt SUS-VI
So it's a 7 weight, took the bike out after the new seals and oil and it feels like a new bike. After 50 miles and trying to hit every manhole cover, filled up pot holes and bumps on the road, I'm impressed with this rebuild.
 
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