Fork leak question

[Shipwreck]

Hey guys.

Have had my 2013 S10 for about 4k miles now and just noticed some oily wetness around the bottom of my left front fork. Am I correct in assuming the adjustment screw there, is for rebound, and the top compression? Well, mine was turned in, all the way. Just curious of that could have caused oil to somehow leak out or of you guys have some better advice as to what I am to do, that would be great.

 

[Juan]

Bottom screw is for compression damping and top screw (inside the preload nut) is for rebound damping. If you're seeing a little oil around the compression damping screw, check the fork oil seal first. If the fork seal is leaking slightly, oil will drip down to that area where you've indicated.

 

[Shipwreck]

Thanks Juan,

I am sure I have a freaking oil seal leak now... Grrrr.

 

[tomatocity]

Since you have so few miles on your Tenere, you could try cleaning the fork seal. Here is a search for "fork seal' http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?action=search2

 

[greg the pole]

when you're talking bottom of fork do you mean below the axle?
If you have oil there, it's possible that the bolt that holds the cartridge in the fork is maybe a bit loose.

https://thetenerist.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/img_7866.jpg

 

[Shipwreck]

I fought with a 2012 YZ450F fork seals. Redid them twice, had a dealer do them once then eventually just sold the bike AS IS... Now my S10 is starting with this sh!t. I just picked up a seal saver and will try that tonight.

 

[mbabc]

My left fork was leaking on and off for a year or so. Used the fork seal thing from Motion Pro but before a big trip this summer I had NorWest suspension rebuild them. Even sent in my shock for some attention. Have Shock Soxs on now.

 

[greg the pole]

I fought with a 2012 YZ450F fork seals. Redid them twice, had a dealer do them once then eventually just sold the bike AS IS... Now my S10 is starting with this sh!t. I just picked up a seal saver and will try that tonight.

so seal, or bottom bolt?

Also, in your owners manual, it states basic suspension settings. You may want to go through them, and makes sure you're set up as per book, or your riding style

 

[Shipwreck]

Thats great advice guys. I actually just got the manual. Owners and service so i will page through them tonight and make sure it is set up properly. The motion pro seal saver seem to have worked. Dont want to jinx it but the leak seemed to have stopped now. I will keep a rebuild and shock sox in the back on my mind... lol

Regarding the YZ, I am not sure what it was. when I saw it leaking again after a $400 total rebuild a part of my soul died and I just got rid of it.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Just occasionally wipe the forks and occasionally use the seal saver and you'll probably be fine. The inverted forks have the advantage of being stiffer but do need occasionally to have crud wiped out of the seal.

 

[ST-venture]

Definitely get the Shock Sox and use them. It keeps all of the crud away from the seals.

 

[Cycledude]

Somewhere on this board There is a very good thread about adjusting the suspension, at least for me it was very helpful .

 

[Checkswrecks]

Somewhere on this board There is a very good thread about adjusting the suspension, at least for me it was very helpful .

This one is a sticky in the suspension sub-forum:
http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=13041.0

 

[Shipwreck]

Thank you for all the advice guys. Its been maybe 2 days now and my shock is staying dry Yay!!!! I happen to have a seal saver and must have just been using it wrong. Thank you for the help.