Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Jay Goninen. Jay Goninen is an Automotive Expert and the Co-Founder and President of WrenchWay. Jay started working in his family's repair shop when he was nine and has been deeply passionate about the industry since then. He has experience as a technician and is currently a Board Member for both the Diesel Technology Program at Madison Area Technical College and the Community Alliance for the Skilled Trades.
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The fork of a motorcycle connects the main frame to the front wheel and axle. The fork is what allows riders to change direction and also helps in braking and suspension. The fork itself consists of two tubes. Each tube requires a seal to keep the oil of the interior of the tube from leaking out. Fork seals should be replaced as soon as leaking oil is noticed. If the seal is left unchanged, the oil could leak onto the brake pads and ruin your motorcycle or you could run out of oil completely and ruin your motorcycle. Use these steps to replace your fork seals.
Steps
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Prepare the motorcycle for maintenance.[1]- Loosen the 2 bolts that secure the fork legs to the frame and the caps upon each leg. Then loosen the brake caliper bolts and the whole front axle of the bike.
- Put the bike in gear and chock the rear wheel.
- Raise the front wheel off the ground as far as needed.
- Remove the brake calipers, fender, front wheel and any other hanging cables.
Disassemble the fork.[2]- Loosen the bolts further and pull downward on the fork while twisting.
- Remove the fork cap carefully. Because it is spring loaded, be careful not to stand in the way of the cap as you remove it.
- Take out the spring and let the oil drain into a bucket
- Free the damper rod by inserting a tool into the cavity to reach it.
- Memorize the assembly of the fork's springs, washers and spacers for easy re-installation later.
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Remove the old seal.[3]- Wedge the dust seal from the fork leg.
- Find the fork seal itself. It is held into place by a clip within a groove.
- Pry the seal out carefully.
- Flush the area as you go to remove debris within the fork.
- Take the tube in 1 hand and the stanchion in the other. Use muscle to pull the 2 apart. You will see the seal coming out of hiding as you do this.
Prepare the fork for a new seal.[4]- Remove all rust and repair imperfections that led to the old seal's leakage.
- Soak a cloth with oil and work on the area where the seal rested.
Install the new seal.[5]- Rub oil on the inner part of the new seal.
- Put the seal over the stanchion and slide it down into place.
- Set the seal with a seal driver. This will tap the seal into place gently but firmly.
Put the fork back together.- Situate the clip and dust seal back onto the fork. Place the damping rod back inside.
- Pour new oil into the fork, measuring the height as necessary.
- Re-install the spring and screw on the fork cap. Tighten the bolts.
- Repeat the process on the other fork leg.
Reassemble your motorcycle's front end.
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Community Q&A
- QuestionHow much oil goes in the front fork?
Community AnswerIt varies from bike to bike. Check your owner's or service manual for specific measurements. It is usually around 500 ml per fork. - QuestionWhen the article says repeat the process on the other leg does it mean the ones at the back or the one at the front on the other side?
Community AnswerThe one on the other side, since there are two forks at the front of each motorcycle. The rear suspension is usually a spring, not a fork. - QuestionIs it necessary to replace both fork seals if only one starts leaking?Community AnswerNo, but it's probably worth it so you don't have to disassemble the front end again in case the second starts leaking.
Tips
- Replace both seals at the same time regardless if only one needs to be replaced. This keeps the seals similarly aged.Thanks
- Instead of using physical force to separate the inner tube from the fork to remove the seal, you can fill the tube full of oil and add pressure to burst the seal out.Thanks
- Using a front-end lift is the safest way to raise your motorcycle for maintenance.Thanks
Things You'll Need
- Motorcycle
- Sockets
- Ratchets
- Fork oil
- Wrenches
- Floor jack or lift
- Oil container or bucket
- Seal drivers
- Rags
- New seals
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about car maintenance and repair, check out our in-depth interview with Jay Goninen.
References
- ↑ https://www.motorcycle.com/how-to/how-to-replace-fork-seals-3442.html
- ↑ https://www.motorcycle.com/how-to/how-to-replace-fork-seals-3442.html
- ↑ https://www.motomatter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/how-to-replace-regular-fork-seals-2.jpg
- ↑ http://blog.pro-x.com/step-by-step-guide-to-replacing-fork-seals-in-your-dirt-bike
- ↑ https://www.motomatter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/how-to-replace-regular-fork-seals-2.jpg
- http://www.motorcycle.com/how-to/how-to-replace-fork-seals-3442.html
About This Article
To replace fork seals, start by loosening the 2 bolts securing the fork legs to the frame and the fork leg caps. Next, loosen the brake caliper bolts and front axle before putting the bike in gear and chocking the rear wheel. Then, raise the front wheel and remove the brake calipers, fender, front wheel, and other hanging cables. Disassemble the fork and remove the old fork seal. To prepare the fork for the new seal, rub away all rust and imperfections with an oil-soaked cloth. Then, put the new seal over the stanchion and tap the seal down with a seal driver. Reassemble the fork by replacing the damping rod inside the fork, and putting the clip and dust seal back on the fork. Pour new oil into the fork, reinstall the spring and screw on the fork cap, and tighten the bolts. Repeat disassembling and reassembling the fork on the second fork leg. Then, reassemble your motorcycle’s front end and hit the road! For more detailed information on how to replace fork seals, see below.
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