Need Help - Forks Leaking Out The Bottom?

Hi all,

My 2000 has been up on stands so I can change the oil/filter (done), change the coolant (done), put on new front tire (done), bleed the brakes (not done), install o2 elims (not done), fix some dash lights (not done). While I was getting ready to put the front wheel back on, I noticed there was a bunch of oil on the ground under the forks. Clearly came out of the bottom of the forks, there is no oil or brake fluid anywhere else on the bike. I checked the tightness of the damper rod bolts at the base of the forks and they feel quite tight.

Any idea what's going on here? I had the forks rebuilt at the Honda dealer (took them just the forks) back in 2004.

I'm short one car this week and it would be very nice to get this back on the road ASAP.

Thanks!!!

There is a hex bolt on the underside of the forks that hold the guts in place. It has a copper crush washer to prevent oil from leaking out and from what you describe, it seems the bolt and washer combo is allowing oil to get past.

Take a look from the bottom of the fork up to see the bolt and try tightening it. The bolt may spin because it is turning the cartridge damper inside but often the pressure of the spring is enough to hold it fast. The bolt is usually removed with an air impact hammer whose rapid jolts break the threads free.

You should try to replace any oil that leaked out to keep the forks equal and at their proper fill.

Well, I tried to tighten the bolts. They seem to be in there pretty damn good. I just don't understand why they suddenly decided to leak. The bike sat all winter, I put it up on stands, take the front wheel off, and it starts leaking. I'm at a loss. I wasn't planning on taking the front end apart, but I don't have much of choice now.

Thanks for the help. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/fing02.gif)