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I discovered my left fork is leaking. So you here my questions ��
1. When I bought the bike the owner had a receipt for changing the springs on the forks in 2012. Would the seals not been changed ?
2. Is this an easy job? I was quoted $230 to replace both seals, should I just go for it or try to wrench it ?
3. In the mean time is it okay to ride the bike to work with the leak?
Thank you?
1) They probably were, but they do go bad over time. 4 years isn't bad for a fork seal. (It's not GOOD, but not the worst I've seen)
2) It's easy enough you can do it, with the help of YouTube videos. $230 is too much. My local indy quoted $150, and I have a batwing fairing to remove in the process. On a softail, it's much easier to get the forks off.
3) It's "ok" but nobody will recommend it. Your suspension helps handling & braking, so just half the suspension working...you can see where this is going. Not to mention the fork oil gets everywhere and your braking DRASTICALLY decreases from all the oil on the rotor(s)...and God forbid, your tire (oil on tire = you slide)
That's my $0.02, but I was young & dumb and rode 5k miles on a leaking front fork so I won't judge lol
If the bushings were not replaced the new seals won't last any real length of time. When you do have the forks done, make sure the inner and outer bushings are replaced along with the oil and dust seals, or you will be right back to square one.
I just had it done at the dealer and replaced the neck bearings too while the front end was almost apart .... it wasn`t cheap . I got 16 yrs out of both .
Ok so first thing I am going to try and clean under the seals using a business card. Maybe be there is dirt.. I have looked on YouTube but cannot find any videos on how to access the seals I am guessing I have to take that flat plate behind the headlights off?
I ordered a factory service manual for the bike from Dealership but it's 3 to 4 week wait if you can believe that .. Does anyone know where I can find the service manual for a 1996 Fatboy online that will guide me on how to take the forks out
OK I remove the calipers, front fender and wheel, then the top cap then washer under the top cap and then the seal under the top cap..But the forks seems to be stuck in there ... I'm afraid to pull on it too hard am I missing something here or should I just keep pulling and wiggling on this
Last edited by CBCanada; May 22, 2016 at 02:59 PM.
I just replaced my internals with Progressive Monotubes over the winter months but in doing so had to install new fork seals. It's an easy job if you have tools and a motorcycle lift. I think the seals and oil were under $40 Canadian but I bought a fork seal driver that cost $90 Canaidan. Money well spent in order to do the job myself again in the future if needed.
If you can borrow a buddies seal driver then it won't cost you much at all. There are a ton of Youtube videos on how to do it..... combined with a shop manual it's a very easy job just a little time consuming on your first attempt.
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Fork Leak question
