Can any one recommend what seals to put in ohlins forks other than std ohlins ones as am now on my third set this year at two different suspension shops.It seems that all the time the bike is being used regularly there is no problem but as soon as left for 2 or 3 weeks I come back to leaky forks.Any advice appreciated.
Thanks for the reply. The fork coating does appear to be slightly worn but two different suspension companies have advised me they are not bad enough to cause a problem.I thought I had heard somewhere this was a common problem and their was possibly a Suzuki seal which fitted and while causing slightly more stiction would cure the leak.
As above^ but also if your bushings are worn and the bike is left on the side stand for a while this can allow some oil to pass the main oil seals and then when you go to ride the bike it escapes the wiper(external seals) but in this instance if you wipe it away before riding it shouldn't really be present when you get back from a decent blast unless the seals and/or bushings are badly worn
hi when i did mine i got some from a Yamaha dealer of a v-max they work fine did the at the start of the year and there still fine now
I have had the same problem purchased o3 rsvr a few years ago replaced leaking fork seals after winter break,done by a suspension specialist
only done about 1500kms had winter break leaking again ,got forks resealed again at same shop told them it had only done 1500kms & to look for any problems,was told all good but seals had some dirt under them that allowed them to leak.have done 3000kms had winter break leaking again , i have been extra careful to keep forks clean.Im going to try a Rhino seal doctor to clean under seals this weekend i will let you know how it goes
cheers marksie
only done about 1500kms had winter break leaking again ,got forks resealed again at same shop told them it had only done 1500kms & to look for any problems,was told all good but seals had some dirt under them that allowed them to leak.have done 3000kms had winter break leaking again , i have been extra careful to keep forks clean.Im going to try a Rhino seal doctor to clean under seals this weekend i will let you know how it goes
cheers marksie
It's both sides the left as you sit on the bike worse than the other.I tried as wizbit suggested went out for a good blast yesterday and when I got back No leak I put the bike on a paddock stand overnight and still no leak so fingers crossed,thanks for all the replies.
Joined Oct 2012
174 Posts | 0+
Louth
I had a set of 02 RSV-R forks on my last Mille and they were weeping, so I put a set of 2004 (or K4 if like some Jap owners you can't do numbers!!) GSXR 1000 seals in. Takes about half an hour to fit, and they never leaked - even about 4 years later.
Got them from the Suzuki dealer for about 16 quid each.
If it helps you can download and print a genuine Ohlins forks guide from the manufacturers, and there are a couple of good clips on youtube showing you exactly how to do them (and not too long either, just long enough to give you a good idea of how to do it). Sorry if you already know what you're doing but I found these things really helpful!
Got them from the Suzuki dealer for about 16 quid each.
If it helps you can download and print a genuine Ohlins forks guide from the manufacturers, and there are a couple of good clips on youtube showing you exactly how to do them (and not too long either, just long enough to give you a good idea of how to do it). Sorry if you already know what you're doing but I found these things really helpful!
Both fork seals leak after standing for some time if bike is in use every week no problems with leaks
I used the seal doctor today only took 5 minutes ,had to do each fork 5 or 6 times to get all the dirt out.not sure if dirt is wear from inside fork or from brake & road dust getting in under the seals .have to wait & see if it fixes leaks ,only problem now is that it has warmed up & I'm using my bike more now.
cheers marksie
Is there an air gap??? I got my forks serviced once and the guy how did it forgot to leave the airgap when he filled with oil my seals started leaking and thats the only time after having the bike 6 yrs
Maybe you should try the Kriega fork seal neoprene bibs or similar. They fit round the leg at the seal. Easy-on, velcro off for a clean. Keeps sh*t outta the seals , if that is the problem....! Lack of use will do it every time. The other solution is to stow the bike on a lift to take weight off the suspension: front and rear is ideal, so a central lift is the go !
I've never had to have fork seals replaced on any of my bikes before but I think I need to have the Ohlins done now. Is this what they look like when they need doing?:
Anyone? I guess I should avoid riding it while it's like this, right? It's weird because the bike hadn't been used for 5 months up until yesterday and I'm pretty sure the seals were fine before I tucked her away...
Joined Oct 2012
174 Posts | 0+
Louth
I've heard they get like that when left for a while. One of mine weeps a bit if I leave it, so I just wipe the oil off and it looks fine when I ride it. If you're worried get a set of Suzuki seals and change them - its really not a difficult job.
Joined Dec 2009
663 Posts | 0+
Always pissin down with rain Sussex
My 10 cents worth, apart from what's been said when I had my seals done they leaked twice so I took them to an Ohlins service centre & the guy told me there is a special grease that is supposed to be used with the Ohlins seals & if it isn't the lips of the seals stick to the stantions when it's left, then the next time it's used the lips of the seals get torn. I had mine replaced 5 years ago & they haven't leaked yet. Another thing, if you don't use the correct procedure to fit the front wheel it will blow your seals.
Any chance of elaborating on the front wheel procedure, or pointing me to a thread somewhere please mate? I'd do a search but I'm a lazy fecker.
My bikes got 63.000 on, the fork seals have failed once. It's been stood since last June and show no sign of leaking. Agree with another post, there maybe something wrong with your forks. Had mine done here
Brook Suspension I The Motorcycle Suspension Specialist
Brook Suspension I The Motorcycle Suspension Specialist
