I've got oem seals and fluid in my 4th gen...21k miles on her. I'm wondering if when I do the fork fluid, if I should do the seals too? I hate doing fork seals. I know, they're easy, I just don't like doing them.
Of course the point may be moot as I just found an entire r1 front end....now, to find some 929 triples...anyone?
I disagree. After 21k, the seals are not long for this world. Change them now, when you've got the forks off the bike anyway, or pull the forks again and change them in another 5k?
[image: View Post]JZH, on 01 September 2011 - 07:06 PM, said:
I disagree. After 21k, the seals are not long for this world. Change them now, when you've got the forks off the bike anyway, or pull the forks again and change them in another 5k?
Ciao,
Yes, I'm torn because they are 14 years old...of course I just secured an entire 04 front end with wheel, tire, fender, brakes, rotor, clip ons, triples and master cylinder for 500...and at the same time found a 929 triple set for 100
doing an oil change, as long as you dont disturb a seal , you should be okay. Im more shocked they went that long, hardening of the rubber a big concern. Armoral is excellent for keeping seals in good condition, its also a stiction eliminator.
Rule of thumb you replace fork seals every time you need to split forks, if at oil change your oil doesn't look to dirty & do the flush method (I personally always split forks to make sure all sludge is removed) then not needed unless they look fatigued. A good gauge for seal replacement even if you constantly do the flush method is if the dust seals which are directly in the elements start to perish replace the fork seals. There is nothing worse than being on a ride & having a fork seal leak because its not so much the leak but the confidence you lose thinking about oil getting on tour tyre or brake pads, is the few dollars you save worth it.
[image: View Post]JZH, on 01 September 2011 - 07:06 PM, said:
I disagree. After 21k, the seals are not long for this world. Change them now, when you've got the forks off the bike anyway, or pull the forks again and change them in another 5k?
Ciao,
[image: View Post]zRoYz, on 02 September 2011 - 03:14 AM, said:
Rule of thumb you replace fork seals every time you need to split forks, if at oil change your oil doesn't look to dirty & do the flush method (I personally always split forks to make sure all sludge is removed) then not needed unless they look fatigued. A good gauge for seal replacement even if you constantly do the flush method is if the dust seals which are directly in the elements start to perish replace the fork seals. There is nothing worse than being on a ride & having a fork seal leak because its not so much the leak but the confidence you lose thinking about oil getting on tour tyre or brake pads, is the few dollars you save worth it.
Never changed oil unless there was a reason to split them up (leaky seals or change the valving) I suppose it's a good idea to replace the seals while you in there, remove cartridges, drain and clean the whole thing.
I am not saying anyone is wrong for recomending a seal change but I disagree.
Fork oil is one of the most overlooked fluids on a motorcycle. Over a relatively short time many factors account for the degredation of your fork oil that will directly affect the performance of your motorcycle. I replace my fork oil on a regular basis at least every 2-3 years based on milage. With the 4th gen forks there really is not a lot to draining fluid, cleaning springs and tube without seperating them and it gives you a chance to clean your brake calipers as well. Done on scheduled intervals you will probably be due to replace the oil if your seals fail any way. It is also pretty frustrating to break the forks down, replace a seal and then tear a seal on reassembly. Sometimes you don't notice until it is full of fluid and leaking. It is a case of the devil you know VS the devil you don't.
As far as yoru USD fork conversion, goes. When I did my R1 USD conversion, an Ohlins tech replace the guts with Ohlins internals ((springs, valves, fluid etc) but not the seals. I asked him specifically about replacing the seals which lead to an explaination and education about this topic beyond what I expected.
When your USD forks arrive, I highly recomend putting the time and money into getting them at least sprung for your riding style and weight to fully maximize the benefits of doing the conversion.
It really depends on what the seals have been expose to. If they have been taken care of and not leaking at tear down i say let them be. BUT if you have the slightest hint or even think they mite leak change them NOW. You seem to be mechanically inclined so if they leak after re installing them pullin back out and replace.
[image: View Post]JZH, on 03 September 2011 - 06:55 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Switchblade, on 02 September 2011 - 12:40 PM, said:
It really depends on what the seals have been expose to.
Fifteen years and 21k miles, reportedly...
I didn't say replace the seals every time you replace fork oil--I said he should replace THESE fork seals when he replaces the fork oil!
Ciao,
Like I said I had a 84 Magna with 24,000 miles on it THAT I took care of. They had not been exposed to a lot sun and I did not let bugs build up on the sliders. Change the fork a couple of times never had a problem.
I'm torn....I can't do anything until early next week anyway and the R1 front end will be here by the end of the week. I don't need the triples off the R1, so I'm going to ask him for the front end for like 400...original agreed price was 500. I've got a set of 929 triples coming from Norfolk for $100.
[image: View Post]mcrwt644, on 03 September 2011 - 07:50 PM, said:
I'm torn....I can't do anything until early next week anyway and the R1 front end will be here by the end of the week. I don't need the triples off the R1, so I'm going to ask him for the front end for like 400...original agreed price was 500. I've got a set of 929 triples coming from Norfolk for $100.
Upside down seals fail far faster than right side up
[image: View Post]mcrwt644, on 01 September 2011 - 06:06 PM, said:
I've got oem seals and fluid in my 4th gen...21k miles on her. I'm wondering if when I do the fork fluid, if I should do the seals too? I hate doing fork seals. I know, they're easy, I just don't like doing them.
Of course the point may be moot as I just found an entire r1 front end....now, to find some 929 triples...anyone?
Replace the seals. At 38K I had the fork oil changed, 2 weeks later I was back having the seals changed. At that mileage do them both at the same time. Just my opinion.
Like everything its up to the owner, it doesn't really phase me what people do because its not my bike.
But the simple fact is the way the standard VFR forks work all gens the oil gets hot & dirty quickly & even if you say flush your forks & change oil every 15000kms to be 100% sure your new oil doesn't get contaminated & there is no restriction in valving plus being able to inspect internal bushing & components you should always split your forks. As far as seals go its a good idea to always replace them but you can get away with reuse but you have to remember they have been used so the sealing lips are slightly worn & also lost some of there sealing force. Even new seals can leak if there is a nick in your fork of you do damage installing them because they can have a nick that is undetectable by eye but will leak fluid under pressure. The other aspect is there are allot of aftermarket replacements, it is my experience that the best seals are oem hands down, they might cost a few dollars more but again peace of mind is the key.
If it were me I would defenatly change the seals, besides its a good opertunity to insp the bushings and give a good cleaning, just changed mine at 38k miles and my fluid looked like crap, A couple of my friends said not to change the seals and just the oil but after disassemble of the first fork I was glad i did.. BTW i used 10weight oil. Nuthin like knowing your bike is in good running order when laying into a bueatiful curve and rolling on the throttle.....
End of thread · 20 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 28 Sep 2012