Author Topic: Fork Seal Replacement.  (Read 6903 times)

Offline alans1100

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Fork Seal Replacement.
« on: June 19, 2013, 08:44:55 PM »
I booked in for the front seals to be done in two weeks time. Had to remind them that the A model is different to base model.

Cost about $350 to $400 including parts and about three hours to do.

These parts mentioned
SEAL SET, FR. FORK   51490-MZ1-305,
BUSH, GUIDE   51414-MN1-671

PACKING   51417-MAJ-G41 he missed this one on RH fork but checking workshop manual to see if needed.
1999 :bl11  2004 :13Candy

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Offline Piet

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Re: Fork Seal Replacement.
« Reply #1 on: September 14, 2014, 11:48:55 PM »
Would this offer better value for next time you do the forks?
I found this on ebay.  Their own web site leaves a bit to be desired trying to find them online.  The chat session works a treat during working hours though.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Honda-ST1100-SC26-Fork-Seals-Wipers-Bushes-FULL-Suspension-Kit-FREE-SEALMATE-/201166021615?pt=AU_Motorcycle_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ed66de3ef&_uhb=1
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Online Shiney

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Re: Fork Seal Replacement.
« Reply #2 on: September 15, 2014, 08:03:02 AM »
I just had mine done as they were leaking oil.

Dropped the bike in to Des Roberts Motorcycle Performance in Brendale, QLD in the morning.
Took my Brother and sister out to Sea World :runyay and picked the bike up in the arvo.

Cost was only $230 including parts and labor :thumbsup

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Offline alans1100

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Re: Fork Seal Replacement.
« Reply #3 on: September 15, 2014, 11:23:20 AM »
Would this offer better value for next time you do the forks?
I found this on ebay.  Their own web site leaves a bit to be desired trying to find them online.  The chat session works a treat during working hours though.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Honda-ST1100-SC26-Fork-Seals-Wipers-Bushes-FULL-Suspension-Kit-FREE-SEALMATE-/201166021615?pt=AU_Motorcycle_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ed66de3ef&_uhb=1


Not much good for mine. 96 ABS (1100AT) and newer have different forks.
1999 :bl11  2004 :13Candy

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Offline Piet

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Re: Fork Seal Replacement.
« Reply #4 on: September 28, 2014, 05:00:06 PM »
 :cuss Dammit,  One of my new fork seals is leaking so I must have dammaged it on install.  New one ordered and a little more work just to get it right.
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Offline Bikebear

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Re: Fork Seal Replacement.
« Reply #5 on: September 28, 2014, 05:31:38 PM »
I had mine done by me when I changed the fork oil. Cost me about $80 most of that was the cost of the fork seal driver set (which I now have for future operations), the seals and wipers cost less than $20 for the set. Very easy to do and it's another way of getting intimate with and learning more about your bike. I'm afraid I've seen more than one set of fork seals done "professionally"  by a bike shop that have started to leak not long after being replaced.

My advice is to get stuck in and give these things a go for yourself, I've done quite a few sets of fork seals now and have had no post replacement leaks.
Craig..
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Offline jack

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Re: Fork Seal Replacement.
« Reply #6 on: September 28, 2014, 09:17:25 PM »
i had a fork leak on my st1100 and thought id be pulling them down .. but instead i order a couple of these plastic things from the states and pushed the little thin strip down into the fork seal and rotated around the tube a couple of time and hey presto they stopped leaking ... touch wood.it wont come back..  :clap
 

Offline Assassin

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Re: Fork Seal Replacement.
« Reply #7 on: September 28, 2014, 09:40:08 PM »
Piet, did you check the chrome on the inner leg for any damage, stone chips etc ? If there are any sharp bits or rust, it will damage the seal when you put it together...


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Offline Assassin

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Re: Fork Seal Replacement.
« Reply #8 on: September 28, 2014, 09:44:16 PM »
Also I think the cost varies on whether genuine or after market seals are used, I will always use genuine as in the past have had issues with the non-genuine being too tight...


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Offline Piet

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Re: Fork Seal Replacement.
« Reply #9 on: September 29, 2014, 10:45:29 AM »
Thanks guys,
I have the new seals on order on will get it sorted as soon as it arrives.  Appreciate the help and suggestions.  The seal kit I ordered has one of those plactic seal cleaners included so I will take note and apply the suggestions.  There are some pits on the inner leg but I did very lightly apply some emery paper hoping to remove anything that might lacerate the seal lip.  I think I might have damaged the seal on insertion.  I let you know if I continue to run into problems.   ..........>

Did a new install of the fork seals, used a propper seal driver this time and everything went well.  I used the opportunity to fit new bush in each stem.  Whent for a ride for an hour and forks are great. 
« Last Edit: December 27, 2014, 08:33:24 PM by Piet »
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Offline basadia

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Re: Fork Seal Replacement.
« Reply #10 on: January 04, 2016, 07:36:43 PM »
I just changed my fork seals using genuine Honda ones and now I have the same one (right side) is weeping again. I did a good visual inspection when I had it apart and found no scoring or pitting so I am not sure why it is leaking. I've thought of using a  fine wet n dry to scuff the surface but am not sure if this is the best option as it may damage the seal further. I'm open to suggestions on how to stop the leak.
tks
Keith
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Offline alans1100

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Re: Fork Seal Replacement.
« Reply #11 on: January 04, 2016, 07:54:19 PM »
When I eventually got mine done earlier this year I had the bush guides replaced as well. It was optional but I guess over the years since the bike was new in 1999 they would have worn some so had them done. Again it was also the RH one that failed and being the ABS model I wonder if the anti-dive being on that side might increase the pressure on the seal a little more than the LH. I also wonder if excess wear on the guides might cause excessive wear on the seals as well.
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Offline StinkyPete

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Re: Fork Seal Replacement.
« Reply #12 on: January 04, 2016, 08:02:35 PM »
I just changed my fork seals using genuine Honda ones and now I have the same one (right side) is weeping again. I did a good visual inspection when I had it apart and found no scoring or pitting so I am not sure why it is leaking. I've thought of using a  fine wet n dry to scuff the surface but am not sure if this is the best option as it may damage the seal further. I'm open to suggestions on how to stop the leak.
tks
Keith

Keith, I've recently had my local dealer replace my fork seals after the right side started leaking, so the following from my post may be considered background information for you.

"...$346 later and I have two new fork seals. I thought that price was quite good.    However, I was shown a photo of my right fork leg (the one that was leaking) and the chrome is almost worn away.  The mechanic's report says  "Evidence of wear through the chrome coating on the leg that was leaking.  Cleaned up best we could but if leak reoccurs the leg will need to be replaced"    New legs from my dealer are $550 for the pair, and from Ron Ayers in the USA they are about $528 AUD plus shipping, so if I need to, it's probably cheaper to buy in OZ at the moment."
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Offline basadia

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Re: Fork Seal Replacement.
« Reply #13 on: January 04, 2016, 08:13:53 PM »
If the right side is the one that wears the most I could get away with only replacing that one, the part number is 51410-MT3-611
http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Honda/Motorcycle/2002/ST1100+A/FRONT+FORK+%281%29/parts.html
I might give my local Honda shop and get a quote.
I'm at the point now that I need to fix it up or move on up, maybe a good justification to upgrade to a 1300. Only have to convince OIC home affairs :-).
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Offline STroppy

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Re: Fork Seal Replacement.
« Reply #14 on: January 04, 2016, 08:59:58 PM »
Keith, I've recently had my local dealer replace my fork seals after the right side started leaking, so the following from my post may be considered background information for you.

"...$346 later and I have two new fork seals. I thought that price was quite good.    However, I was shown a photo of my right fork leg (the one that was leaking) and the chrome is almost worn away.  The mechanic's report says  "Evidence of wear through the chrome coating on the leg that was leaking.  Cleaned up best we could but if leak reoccurs the leg will need to be replaced"    New legs from my dealer are $550 for the pair, and from Ron Ayers in the USA they are about $528 AUD plus shipping, so if I need to, it's probably cheaper to buy in OZ at the moment."


Pete, another option is to have your own forks rechromed . .

http://www.radhardchroming.com.au/Page/motorcycle-fork-rechroming-reconditioning
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Offline StinkyPete

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Re: Fork Seal Replacement.
« Reply #15 on: January 04, 2016, 09:21:59 PM »
Pete, another option is to have your own forks rechromed . .

http://www.radhardchroming.com.au/Page/motorcycle-fork-rechroming-reconditioning


Thanks STroppy.  I've already investigated rechroming and I wouldn't have saved much.   In the meantime I've bought a second hand set of forks from a low mileage donor bike for significantly less than the cost of purchasing and installing new fork legs.   The replacement forks are boxed and sitting in the shed, waiting for the time when they need to be installed.
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Offline basadia

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Re: Fork Seal Replacement.
« Reply #16 on: January 05, 2016, 09:15:56 AM »
I'm trying to find the minimum size that the forks can wear to but I am unable to find anything in my Klymer manual. I know they do this for items like break disk rotors. Can anyone provide this?
tks
Keith
Keith
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