After I got done riding today I noticed my left fork seems to be leaking. Can I just replace the seal, or is it more involved than that? Help appreciated.
Yes, you can just replace the seal. Buy 'em both and replace them both and put in new fork oil while you're at it. When you have the sliders off, there are likely some crush washers under the bolts. Buy new crush washers (cheap) also. BTW, the seal is UNDER that dust cover at the top where you are seeing the oil. The thing at the top is just a cover to keep out sand, rocks, small animals, etc.
THE HONDA genuine parts replacement seal kit is pricey, about $40(each), but includes a new dust seal. Aftermarket seals are not as good and should be avoided.
Either of you guys have a link where I could purchase the kits on line, or should I just go to my local dealer?
ANOTHER little tip: Honda may specify ATF for fork oil, but better results will be had by using Fork Oil 10W from cycle dealer........
Try refreshing the seals: Believe it or not, it works. Myself and several others have done it. And if it doesn't, you replace the seals just like you were originally planning.
Belray fork fluid used to have an additive that would stop seals from leaking, provided they were not completely gone. If you haven't changed fork fluid in a while, this might take care of it for a year or two. And I'm curious about something; every time I have removed a fork seal, I have had to use the "slide hammer" technique using the lower slider as the hammer. It usually beats up the bushings enough to where I want to replace them. Somebody know a way around this?
