Front Fork Seals Cause Air Leak?

[JackH]

Greating all!

I blew one of my front fork seals last summer and since the other seal was holding strong I decided to hold off on till off-season before starting the repair. I just ordered the seals from Venco but while tooling around the bike I noticed the bike would not hold air in the fron end (as per the digital gauge at my right knee). I know it held air earlier in the fall and not sure when the leak dropped off.

I guess my question is when I replace the seals on the front forks will this also fix the air leak as well as the fluid?

Thanks in advance!!

Jack

[Guest]

It is an "air over hydraulic" system. The fluid in the forks prevents the air from leaking out. The seals prevent the fluid from leaking out. Try adding some fluid to the forks and see if it continues to lose air pressure. It the air loss goes away after adding fluid, then seals will most likely correct your problem. I suspect you no longer have enough fluid to hold the air in.

[JackH]

Thanks for the quick reply. I guess I'll know for sure when I put the seals on, but wanted to see if there something immediate that I should be concerned with.

Thanks GL!

Jack

[Guest]

Well, Jack. Don't be too surprised if your aftermarket seals don't cure your fluid leak. I've never had much luck with anything other than the factory seals. Most of the seals that are guaranteed not to leak........... do.
Pay careful attention to the fork tube surfaces. I generally clean them VERY lightly with FINE steel wool.

[wpd210]

I replaced the seals my 84 three years ago .