After the bike (04 w/ 40k) was parked for several weeks on side stand with front wheel tilted left (naturally) I noticed a puddle of oil built up on the right side of the front wheel. Oil had built up on the wheel and run down the tire to make a 1" stain on the concrete. The feel, consistency and odor of the fluid is of oil rather than brake fluid. The oil appears to be coming from the seal and running down the fork to accumulate on the wheel. I've never heard of a fork seal leaking that much fluid while the bike is just sitting. I'm wondering if that is even possible with just the weight of the bike before I tear into the fork and replace seals? Anyone?
Fork Seal Leak? - puddle of oil
- Thread starter sdcondry
- Start date
I had the same thing on my ST 1300 with the right fork seal going bad. Sounds like that is what is leaking on yours also. Pull the forks and replace the seals. I replaced my springs and valves at the same time and made a nice bike better! Good luck.
There may be a trick to fix the seal without removing the fork. I know there is a product that you can purchase to clean debris from the fork seal without removing any parts. Unfortunately, I don't recall the product name. I've also read that some people have used 35mm kodak film, from a camera, and slid it down between the fork seal and fork tube to remove any debris - like dead bug remains. Apparently, sometimes dead bug remains are hard and can get stuck in the fork seal causing a leak.
Personally, I'd try this first before going through the time and expense of a fork seal replacement. If it works, all you'll need to do is add fork oil.
Personally, I'd try this first before going through the time and expense of a fork seal replacement. If it works, all you'll need to do is add fork oil.
Yup, the 35mm film trick worked for me - just work it down around the fork tube past the seal and sort of gently "saw" it all teh way around a couple of times. My (well, previous owner's) right fork seal had leaked so badly that the entire right side of the front end - rotor, caliper, lines, brake pads, even teh rim were coated in fluid. Krud Kutter took care of all of that, then the 35mm film took care of whatever was holding the seal open. 2000 miles and counting, not a drop of leakage since. I did redo the fluid since, and no issues at all.
Or buy one of these. http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/partno/08-0395
Or buy one of these. http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/partno/08-0395
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Short answer: Yes the bike weighs over 800lbs wet and quite a bit of it is resting on those forks.
As Mike notes if you haven't upgraded your springs, now is a *good* time.
Doing the forks seals (and springs) is really not hard if you have a service manual handy.
As Mike notes if you haven't upgraded your springs, now is a *good* time.
Doing the forks seals (and springs) is really not hard if you have a service manual handy.
Mine had a similar problem - weeping while standing on side stand. Dealer confirmed it was fork oil and not brake fluid as I initially suspected. My 2004 has only done 18k but Honda would not replace under the extended warrantee (it ran out earlier this year).
I am now wondering:
1. How much damage will I be doing (since the oil is no longer weeping) on short (5 - 15) milerides?
2. Can I tell how much is in there without a complete oil swap?
3. If I try the film trick am I going to see sucess/failure in a single ride?
4. I am debating whether to do the swap myself or go with local dealer ($350ish) I have a 2005 workshop manual. Any gotchahs that could result in an expensive bill?
Appreciate any input (Sorry if I should have made this a seperate post)
I am now wondering:
1. How much damage will I be doing (since the oil is no longer weeping) on short (5 - 15) milerides?
2. Can I tell how much is in there without a complete oil swap?
3. If I try the film trick am I going to see sucess/failure in a single ride?
4. I am debating whether to do the swap myself or go with local dealer ($350ish) I have a 2005 workshop manual. Any gotchahs that could result in an expensive bill?
Appreciate any input (Sorry if I should have made this a seperate post)