Fork seals gone already!

Discussion in '7th Generation 2010-Present' started by Bubbles_, Apr 19, 2019.

  1. Bubbles_

    Bubbles_ New Member

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    Hello all

    2013 model, 10500 miles and front left seal started leaking. Local garage replaced both and said it wasn't dirt which I originally suspected, but the seal had gone. Is this common for this age of vfr at this mileage???

    Thanks
     
  2. timbo2

    timbo2 New Member

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    ouch, think you've been unlucky there
     
  3. Bubbles_

    Bubbles_ New Member

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    Hope so. Bike has been spot on so far
     
  4. weevee

    weevee New Member

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    A little tip for others with 'leaking' fork seals. Before stripping the forks, try pushing a very thin feeler between the seal and the fork stanchion, and then sliding it around the fork whilst it's slightly tilted (..so any grit that may be trapped there slides up along the feeler's leading edge and is lifted free). Often this is all it takes to stop the leak on low mileage seals. It's simple to do, but it works!

    Steve
     
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  5. Bubbles_

    Bubbles_ New Member

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    Thanks Steve. I did this and it cured it a little but not completely. Perhaps I was just unlucky...
     
  6. dbuzz77

    dbuzz77 New Member

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    i got some seal mates last year but i haven't used them yet. supposed to work great
     
  7. DaveJB

    DaveJB New Member

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    I just bought the bike but both of my seals are gone at 21k. I also tried the 35mm film trick many times.

    Sent from my ONEPLUS A6003 using Tapatalk
     
  8. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    Check the stanchions to ensure they are straight, then have them polished. Over time, the stanchions will be micro pitted and that will speed up the demise of the seals, especially if you live in a dusty, or corrosive environment. It can also be that the internal wear parts are needing replacement, and the stanchion is wearing on the seal unevenly.

    Not saying this is exactly what is wrong, but these are all potential causes of early seal failure. SealMates, or similar, will only fix one issue...debris trapped between the seal and the stanchion. They don't "repair" leaking fork seals, or the mechanical issues that can lead to seal failure.

    If you do end up replacing oil and dust seals, I recommend nothing but SKF seals. Lowest stiction, great longevity.

    I recommend these folks. I am not paid to promote them, nor do I receive free product by doing so, it's just that they have great prices, quick service, and a good website. They also sell NTN and Koyo bearings.

    https://motionindustries.com/
     
    Last edited: Apr 22, 2019
  9. OZ VFR

    OZ VFR Member

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    Another issue that can cause this is the forks not being clamped parallel on the front wheel axle.
    They need to be clamped on one side only, then the bike needs to be bounced a few times so the fork lowers get to the right spacing, then you clamp the other side.
    Worn lower slide bearings can also introduce too much movement which stretches or wears the seal.
     
  10. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    Exactly. They go hand in hand. All it takes is to install the wheel incorrectly one time, ride on it, and prematurely wear the bushings, at that point, there's no going back. If I had a failed seal at such early mileage, I would suspect something has potentially gone wrong structurally. Full strip and inspection before I would even think about putting another set of seals in it. Wouldn't even waste my time jamming stuff between the seal and the stanchion...it's just going to get shoved down inside the fork lower and potentially make it's way into an orifice.
     
  11. Bubbles_

    Bubbles_ New Member

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  12. Bubbles_

    Bubbles_ New Member

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    Thanks for everything this makes interesting reading. New seals are on so fingers crossed and see how she holds up. Still loving the bike :)
     
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