cleans the carbs (all worked on by Honda shop). I've noticed that my front forks have a leak but its only a small amount of residue. I've spent approximately $1,500 doing all the repairs listed above. The bike has approx. 26,000 miles.
My main question is: I really don't want to shell out the $400-$500 in replacing both forks right now. Since the leak isn't bad (only small residue of oil), how much longer should I ride before I really need to replace them so I won't compromise my safety?
What constituents a bad leak on the fork seals? Lines of oil running up?
Thanks for your responses.
P.S. I haven't experienced any braking problems due to the fork seals leaking yet (as I read on other websites).
2007-12-12 07:19:36 · 8 answers · asked by Dan G 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
You DO NOT need to replace the forks. You can replace the fork seals for less than 20.00 and it is easy enough to do it yourself.
Z1 Enterprises sells the fork seals for 12 bucks plus shipping. All you have to do is take off the tire and front fender, then take one fork out, remove the dust cover take out the old seal and put the new seal in. Put fork back and place and then change the 2nd one. Even spending 20 bucks for a manual will bring your total to around 40 with shipping and the manual walks you through doing it. Changing fork seals is not a hard job and if you can change oil ad spark plugs, or change your headlight then you CAN change your fork tubes.
http://www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=1896 is the fork seals. They are top notch to deal with also!
Added Note: My factory tool kit that came with my 84 1100 sabre (VERY similar to your 700) was all I needed to change my fork tubes in less than an hour total time using the clymer manual.
2007-12-12 07:23:41 · answer #1 · answered by Paulbo B 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yep, just replace the seals. You can get a kit from the Honda place. You can probably find a schematic on the web as well or the Honda shop may even have a shop manual you can buy.
If the forks have the original oil in them, it is way past time to replace it anyway. You normally replace the seals when you change the oil. Get good quality fork oil.
Doing the job is not hard and you don't need any special tools. You will just need to take off the front wheel, remove the forks, break them down, replace the seals and oil, then reassemble. Make sure you get them back into the brackets so they are in the exact place before you removed them. If you get them to high or to low in the brackets, you will change how the bike turns into corners. I usually measure the distance from the top of the bracket to the shoulder of the fork with a micrometer before taking them out.
If you are seeing leakage then the front suspension is already somewhat compromised. Forks require a specific amount of oil so any leakage is not good.
Good luck!
2007-12-12 07:34:13 · answer #2 · answered by brewnbiker 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just a comment on replacing the seals. That is not a job for most home mechanics, the forks do not just come apart and with out using airtools there is a possibility that you may need special fork tools to keep the damper rod from spinning in the fork. Even if you use airtools and get it unbolted it is difficult to install the seal without the proper seal driver. A shop has all the tools, specifications, and experience you could save yourself a big headache.
2007-12-12 13:48:14 · answer #3 · answered by G B 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You spent $1500 on a clutch and a tune-up?
Fork seals only cost 10 or 15 bucks. And most bikes get a little oil residue on the forks. Just check the level now and then and don't worry unless it starts leaking badly. If you need to top them off more than once every 5,000 miles, they could use new seals.
2007-12-12 08:40:46 · answer #4 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have a look at the front fork tubes. If they're not bent or warped, then replace the fork seals, and change the fork oil. I don't know if your motorcycle needs to have the forks pressurized. Your mechanic will be happy to do all this for about $85.
Note: clean dirt, grit, and rust off the fork tubes before taking it in.
2007-12-12 11:38:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually the fork SEALS are all that needs replacing ~ $200 in my area.
Think that it is too much when there is any residue that isn't dirt on top of that dust seal/scraper. Yeah the real seal is below the part u see.
That leak isn't going away on it's own and the front suspension becomes less effective as u loose oil. If the oil becomes too low the sliders that the tube rides on start to wear-additional items to replace at same time.
2007-12-12 07:33:21 · answer #6 · answered by stanly s 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In my neck of the woods fork seal replacement is about 150.00 if you take the forks in off the bike.
I just rode a 3500 mile trip in the mountains with a leaking seal with no problems; Fork oil was collecting on the rim, overnight.
Main hazard is getting oil on a brake disc.
2007-12-12 18:16:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A bike with leaking fork seals will not pass your state's inspection.
2007-12-12 07:36:04 · answer #8 · answered by guardrailjim 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋