Front Suspension - I keep blowing seals??

[dobbyhdm]

I take my S-Ten off road, perhaps more than what they expected from most, but still nothing it cant handle. The only re-occurring problem is my fork seals, I have just blown both of them doing the Great Western Trail element of the Trans Euro Trial here in the UK. are there any recommendations folk can make before I go through yet another rebuild, seals, bushings etc. this will be the fifth time time i've rebuilt them, no nics on the tubes, all cleaned and fresh oil in-between times....

 

[StefanOnHisS10]

Did you try shock sox or any other protection to prevent dirt getting to the seals?

 

[dobbyhdm]

Did you try shock sox or any other protection to prevent dirt getting to the seals?

Yes, ive used a set of Acerbis neoprene socks, to no avail.

 

[Ric H]

How are you measuring the oil? Volume or air gap?

 

[Xclimation]

Might be using too much oil in the Forks. Do you make sure there are no air bubbles when doing final measurements

 

[~TABASCO~]

Do you have stock springs ? Are they worn out ? What weight oil ? How much oil are you using ? What air gap are you using ?

You might have to much oil. You might have worn out springs that are allowing to deep of travel to often. “If” this is going on with to much oil it will pop the seals all the time.
Have you put a zip tie on the fork leg to see what type of ‘typical’ travel your getting ? If not, this might be a quick way to determine if you need stronger springs and a different weight oil.

just a few thoughts.

 

[DamMechanic]

What year and how many miles?
If it’s low miles I would be looking at the front wheel installation as the problem.

 

[WJBertrand]

I’ve heard those sox things can trap grit under them so need frequent cleaning out.


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[Don T]

I’ve heard those sox things can trap grit under them so need frequent cleaning out.


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You should clean your socks (of any kind) regularly to avoid problems.

 

[Tenman]

I have the long sox that go almost to the end of the slider. Before it got them I was constantly battling leaks. I also added lower fork covers. I haven't had a leak in years since. I clean mine every now and then and don't find much of anything in them. I had the short ones for a while and they got pretty cruddy before I put the covers.

 

[dobbyhdm]

2015 model, leaks occurring since 7k miles. currently at 14k miles.

Done the zip tie trick and on heavy riding im left with about 30mm of travel at the bottom of the shock.

springs are stock and with only 14k miles on them id be very surprised if they are done already. I'm a 70kg rider.

Oil measured by gap as per service manual.

Oil used since last blow 10w medium.

I think the next investment will be some decent leg protectors and longer socks similar to what Tenman seems to be running, ive been eyeing up the offering from Altrider. The shorter socks were getting crud up after about 4hrs riding sink washing on the go was getting tedious.

perhaps upping the oil to a 20W might help.

any thoughts on a heavier spring?

ref the front wheel i use a DTI to make sure everything is running true as it should be.

all suggestions greatly appreciated

 

[Xclimation]

There’s a good YouTube video call, “Ask Dave: motorcycle fork oil level”. I would post a link but I’m using an IPad and do not normally use this and not familiar with it….but this gentleman has several good videos about forks.

 

[KGaron]

Upping your oil weight won’t help your leakage problem but will affect your fork performance making it even more harsh than it already is.

who is changing the seals and are you sure they are being done correctly?

 

[Involute]

Could there be any burrs or raised material on the tubes from rock dings?

 

[Don in Lodi]

Have the bushings been done?

 

[MattR]

Are you fitting oem seals?


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