fork seal test?

Jso123

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My front forks are not perfectly clean, but seem to work ok. I bought new seals and am having second thoughts about starting the job. Before I do any permanent damage...maybe I should leave well enough alone. Is there a test or measurement that can determine if I really need to replace these seals? Mostly, I just want to install some cool looking gators I bought....LOL.

Thanks
 
If you are having fluid build up or damp spots around them they are bad.
 
Are you talking about the fork seals or dust seals?

Dust seals will just pop off and you can put your gaiters on. Fork seals will need the forks disassembled to replace which is probably a good idea if they've never been done before.

It's not a hard or difficult job to freshen up the forks, nothing to screw up.
 
Guess I oughta just do it right and change the fork seals. No telling for sure, but they are probably original. Got some printed instructions that a 5th grader could probably follow. I only wish I was that capable..LOL
 
I had the same issue. super squishy forks and oil actually leaking out the seals and down the side of the fork tube onto the floor.

and I wanted to install some gaiters!

it was actually a really simple job.

the hardest part was getting the little C clip out of the top by myself. managed to do it using a screw sticking out of the wall. had to make my gf help get them back in, but was super easy w 2 people.

I put progressive springs and added 15w fork oil (slightly less than manual asked for)

and put the gaiters on!

and fixed the front brake so it doesn't stick anymore.
 
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