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why don't fork seals last

CTD

CTD

Joined Sep 2008
273 Posts | 2+
PLYMOUTH, DEVON, ENGLAND
the ohlins forks on my 08 factory have started to weep again, second time and the bike has only done 1100miles, my other bikes 00 tl100r did 36000miles never needed fork seals, 04 zx10r did 34000miles and again fork seal lasted no problems
i thought ohlins was supposed to be quality gear but now i'm not so sure:thumbdown
 
Its the quality that's the issue to get the least amount sticktation (that's a proper world that is) the seals are quite loose to start with
 
I read somewhere that Ohlins seals let a tiny amount of oil by to lubricate the sliders.How true that is,..I dont know,but pattern seals last longer than the genuine Ohlins.
 
Some say the R1 SP Ohlins seals are the way to go - got them in my blade and will do the same on the T when the time comes ;-)
 
They may look a bit "traditional", but I think its time rubber gaiters on the forks were back in fashion.
They used to save the seals.

And propper chain guards to extend the life of chains, not to mention propper mud guards to keep my waxed belstaff clean.

They could be be made all sparkly & in bonny colours - I would buy them - NOT.
 
Had the same problem with my MV. Just recently done the seals and on close inspection they were in perfect condition, No flies, grit or scratches in the seal area. Why on earth they were leaking is beyond me.
Refitted genuine Marzocchi seals..............see how long these last.
 
I finally got round to cleaning mine last week, not had chance to try them in anger yet, but always worth a shot....
 
CTD said:
the ohlins forks on my 08 factory have started to weep again, second time and the bike has only done 1100miles, my other bikes 00 tl100r did 36000miles never needed fork seals, 04 zx10r did 34000miles and again fork seal lasted no problems
i thought ohlins was supposed to be quality gear but now i'm not so sure:thumbdown
Click to expand...

second time 08 factory with 1100 miles thats new seals every 550 miles something not right there
 
Maybe it's a time thingy ******, I had mine done last year and touch wood they're still good.

08 factory with 13K. ???
 
sorry just seen this, should be 11000miles, first changed at around 5000miles
 
C, yer jist had me oot lookin at mine and no trace of oil on the fork leg.................Yet.

Mine were done at aboot 6k but I'm sure the techy dude said something aboot them being replaced with revised seals.

Or maybe it wis jist wishful thinking on my part.
 
snowman said:
Just had my factory done 7500mls & 3yrs old, hope they last???
Click to expand...

Miles and aged matches mine just this week showed a bit of fluid cleaned it rode to work cleaned it again and now its not leaking:crazy
but it has been parked up for a bit will have to sort it what did it cost you?
 
i fixed mine with a cut down plastic milk bottle,removed the dust seal, pushed the custom tool up into the fork seal, twice around the fork leg, withdraw and clean the crud off, do it again for grins and sorted, still waiting for the real fork seal mate to come from the states but looks like i'm not going to need it
 
CTD said:
i fixed mine with a cut down plastic milk bottle,removed the dust seal, pushed the custom tool up into the fork seal, twice around the fork leg, withdraw and clean the crud off, do it again for grins and sorted, still waiting for the real fork seal mate to come from the states but looks like i'm not going to need it
Click to expand...

Did the same with mine, but used old camera film, still waiting fer it to prove me wrong though..
 
It's not just the Ohlins...My Showa's (both) started leaking, albeit very slightly. Tried the film negative trick and got a temporary fix, but saw my arse with it. New seals helped, but 3 months later they started to leak again.
Took them up to Maxton, had the stanchions re-chromed and re-ground....and new seals again... No probs since touch wood.

(Christ this bike is costing a fortune to keep on the road)
 
Reviving this thread any advice on which seals to use on R not factory. Was thinking if the forks have to be dropped about gettinga pair of Yacugar springs any experience anybody. Believe they have been set up by the people in Holland who were once ehite power before they moved to Austria or something like that. Otherwise Hyperpro.

I did make enquiries last year with FTR in suffolk whop were recomended in MCN they advised me they used acugar on Prillys althougbh they also deal with Ohlins.
 
Ohlins seals last a whole lot longer if they are used regularly.
That according to Griff.
 

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