Free fix for leaky fork seals

[dynodon]

I posted this in the Watering hole and it was moved to GoldWing section. But it works on ANY bike so I am reposting here. Remember, even if temporary this fix works, is free (with an old film strip) and can save you on a trip and save money as many have found the fix to work long term. Eck said some use an old credit card, but that is too thick IMO, stick with something very thin and flexible like a film strip. Here we go:

 

My GoldWing developed a bad leak in the Right fork right before taking a trip to FL two weeks ago. If I had known of what I am going to tell you now, I could have saved a lot of mess. The only solution for leaky fork seals is a new seal...right? WRONG!

 

There is a guy selling a special tool to clean and reseal those leaky seals, but if you have some old 35mm picture packs around, you can do it for free with a strip of 35mm film negative. Trust me, I did this and it works like a charm.

 

Turns out the reason most seals leak is they get dirty from inside. If you take a strip of film negative (trim the "sprockets" off because they can break off, so the sides are smooth, and round the corners of one end) and after raising up the dust seal, slip the negative under the fork seal, keeping it tight to the fork tube. The film will go in the seal maybe 1/2" or so. Stop at that point and then carefully and slowly just slide the negative around the tube, keeping it mostly vertical with the tube. Do this about 2-3 times, just sliding it around the tube with it under the seal. Remove the film and wipe down the tube, and test it by bouncing. It should stay dry. If you notice any more oil, try it again. But it shouldn't need it.

 

Like I said, my fork was squirting all over my bike while riding and while it was bouncing in a trailer on the way to FL. After getting back I found this solution on an 1800 site, and tried it and I now have about 150 miles on since the "fix" and my forks are bone dry. May not last forever, but the guy that I heard this from said he hasn't replaced a seal in many years. I need to replace the fluid in my fork, but if I had caught it sooner, I wouldn't have to do that. (edit, yes, there still IS oil in my fork to leak, but is isn't so far, over 200 miles and counting)

 

Try it, all you have to loose is one film strip (make it one you don't care about!).

__________________

Don Mallinson

Washington IL

[Rickaroo]

Don,

Outstanding!

Thanks so much for sharing. I'd been stressing about pulling the front end apart on my 84VR - - or worse, paying someone willing and able to do it. I did the film strip thing as described, and presto ... all dried up. Let's hope the fix holds and I can take that detail off my to do list. Now, if taking care of the machine flinging out of second gear would be as easy, I'd be a really happy camper. But we all know what that's all about - and ain't no film strip trick gonna help that one.

Thanks again,

Rick

Burnsville, MN

[Black Owl]

Rick,

Come up to the Pork in the Pines and we can probably help you with that 2d gear issue. And feed you some of the best food you have had since you left home....