How To Fix A Leaky Fork Seal.. FOR FREE!

How To Fix A Leaky Fork Seal.. FOR FREE! | Motorcycle Life Hacks

Рет қаралды 565,623

4 жыл бұрын

This simple trick can save you time and money when the inevitable happens. When a fork seal starts leaking it can be a major headache and a costly repair if taken to a shop. Lucky for you there is an alternative and the best part about it, it's FREE!
In today's video I show an example of what a seal mate can do to a leaking fork seal on my CRF 250L Dual Sport. We take the fork guards off, clean the tubes, pop the dust seals off, clean around the seals, make a DIY seal mate, and ultimately clean the seals saving them from replacement.
Only time will tell but I believe this is a very effective method!
#CRF250L #ForkSeals #DIY

Пікірлер: 307

@mynameisjonas1997 3 жыл бұрын

Seems to have helped a LOT with my leaky fork, good enough til I winterize and work on the bike. Thanks a ton!

@boomergajunera7158 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks man, tried it and it's quite a surprise. Had a leaking right fork so I looked for something thin and saw a used old thin ID card to do the work. Brake cleaner gets the job done to remove the oil and dirt buildup. By the way did this to my 04' CBR 1000RR. Nice! Subscribed!

@erenbelen1 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much from a grateful Brit in Hungary. I had been scratching my head for a while over how to tackle a leaking fork seal without dismantling the whole thing. Made on of those plastic scraper thingies a per your video. Problem solved.

@gerbilkill 4 жыл бұрын

I changed mine twice in the past 4 years. I hate doing it but love the way it rides after.

@rmahi17 4 жыл бұрын

Very creative on making your own seal mate tool . Plus good info cleaning out the debris out of the forks.

@filipelimadacunha 3 жыл бұрын

I still cannot really believe it, but it worked! Thanks for the tip man! You just saved me a few hundred euros before replacing the seals 😍

@donlamb537 Жыл бұрын

Have used seal mate myself with success. well worth thr few bucks and saves a heap of time pulling the forks apart over a simple leak from a bit of dust. nice video too.

@benkitts4192 Жыл бұрын

Hey man thankyou saved me 200quid one seal started leaking and was looking around to get it done then came across this video all cleaned and made my own seal mate from a bottle job done .. subscribed

@TheFoxyt2 Ай бұрын

You are spot on. Really good advice. Done this many times. Thanks for helping the noobs! I sent this to several buddies

@RV6MIKEB 3 жыл бұрын

Great video and a real handy tip if you're out in the wilds! Had a leaky RHS seal on my CRF but opted to change the seal ... glad I did because the oil was absolutely filthy. New seals and bushes both sides for less cost than an hour's labour at a commercial bike shop.

@paullussier9349 Жыл бұрын

Glad he mentioned that it seems like there is SO much fork seal hype about changing them frequently & how it's not always necessary.Keep it clean! Just because it's a dirt bike doesn't mean it should be left dirty.& seals will last MUCH longer.

@seangartlan3583 4 жыл бұрын

Dude, thank you!! Tried this on my leaky fork and it worked

@maxwellrundle1351 4 жыл бұрын

Another great video man cant wait for the next one keep them coming

@LetricShave 3 жыл бұрын

Nice video, just a FYI.....On some bikes, loosening the upper pinch bolts first will make it much easier to remove the large threaded cap on top. This tip is mentioned in one of my factory service manuals for either a Honda CBR600 or a Kawasaki ZX1100. Hope this helps somebody out there doing fork work.

@motovalleyenduro Жыл бұрын

I know this comment is a year old but you should loosen every top clamp before wrenching on top caps. Unfortunately this video showed how not to do it. Those top caps would have been barely hand tight if not clamped down.

@chincemagnet 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve been riding 3 years and this is the first time I’ve ever heard of this method, of course I don’t ride off road. Good stuff 👍🏼

@karldoenges9943 2 жыл бұрын

I also made my own out of a 2 liter soda bottle. Since only 1 side was leaking, I used a white tie strip and worked it into the non-leaking fork and got a measurement to get close on filling leaking leg.

@markraney8131 4 жыл бұрын

If only one leaks use the other to find out how much you need in the leaky one . Set it on a stand extend the forks as far as they go stick a wire you can see the oil on and measure the level from the top make them the same.

@0xsergy 4 жыл бұрын

you can find manufacturer specs online pretty easily too.

@fatvegan733 Жыл бұрын

Each fork requires a different amount of fluid. (250l does, at least). Probably not critical, but, best to be aware.

@randall_4126 Жыл бұрын

Good idea

@scottmcbride4652 4 жыл бұрын

Update.. This trick worked for me. Didn't have time to do a seal replace before 5 day moto trip. Did the seal saver trick and it's still not leaking after 3 days of trails and 2 days of track plus lots of trailer tie down time. Nice.

@Davy-lf4cj Жыл бұрын

Excellent video, thank you very much for uploading 🙏

@bmxonlybmx 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve been searching everywhere for a video on how to add fork oil thank you!

@nickwilliams1065 4 жыл бұрын

Do your self a favour and do it properly, it's meant to be a measured amount of fork oil not just top it up till. You think it looks OK. Also adding a different weight to what's in the other leg going to make the handling interesting.

@markm1984 6 ай бұрын

Never had to replace a fork seal yet on any bike, its a scam to get you in the shop, I always just take a poker card and get the corner in and go up and down to remove the sand particles, nice 👍 great job

@itzlizardking8704 4 ай бұрын

Yeah bud, The properties of the oil used by the forks are infinite, rtrd

@vankatanemuedobre 3 ай бұрын

When my start to leak I just wrap a sock around and zip tie it :D

@1wheeldrive751 2 ай бұрын

@@itzlizardking8704- you can replace the fork oil without changing the seals. In fact, you don’t even have to remove the seals and bushings. Just pull the forks, pull out the springs, invert the forks and pump them to get all the fluid out. Refill, and measure the air headspace. Put springs back in, back on the bike and you’re good to go. Every now and then it’s good to separate the upper and lower tubes so you can do a thorough cleaning. To do that requires removing the seals and bushings. But if they are in good shape you can reuse them. Good dirt bike fork seals are expensive. The cheap ones aren’t worth buying. I’ve disassembled street bikes with 100k miles on them and the bushings and seals were still fine.

@gregorylagrange 3 жыл бұрын

Worked for me. Used a top from a can of oatmeal to make the tool. Didn't pull a lot of dirt out from it but could definitely feel the grit. No longer leaks.

@nestoralvarado5918 Жыл бұрын

Thank you!!! My fork seal started to leak...this trick bought me some time till payday! 2017 GSXR 600

@joeblow9499 4 жыл бұрын

Good tips and I tried this and it works great. THANKS BUD..🧑🏽‍🦽

@oscartravis5740 2 жыл бұрын

Sweet video, I'm gonna give this idea a blast, thanks 🙂

@YouKnoweMe1 4 жыл бұрын

Easy fast works well.. So far so good.. Peace and love from Poland.

@jasonrapa7298 4 жыл бұрын

Keep it up man, Daily up loads... 👍👍

@takeshiokawara6357 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you from Nepal, will definitely try it, the set of dust and oil seals here are $50+ so have to try your method.

@genericname-qc3kq 4 ай бұрын

Smart!!!! I never knew. My seals are leaking. Will give this a whirl fo sho THANK YOU

@emileviljoen 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. You just saved me a lot of money!

@ModernNeandertal Жыл бұрын

Good video. My Buell front fork leaks and I have changed out the seals more than once. I will give your method a try. I think Buell gave me out of spec fork tubes because my son's Buell never has an issue with leaking seals.

@Veksi8 4 жыл бұрын

Good video. Half year ago I droke my knee jumping on bike when testing suspension like that with sneakers so be careful.

@BasicBibleStudies 11 күн бұрын

Thanks for the video. 2016 CRF 250 L are leaking pretty good.

@jamesobrien6855 3 жыл бұрын

Just did this to my leaky 1993 kx250. Lots of dirt we will have to wait to see but cool little trick used a Fiji water bottle thanks for advice 👍 update it worked good never leaked again.

@scottmcbride4652 4 жыл бұрын

I think this worked for me! Can’t be 100% sure till hit the track and trail but it was leaking bad and all the test rides show no sign of leaking after making and using a plastic seal cleaner tool. I know it’s temporary but I don’t have the time and no shop will do it on July 3rd. We are leaving on a week long father son moto trip on Monday. Fingers crossed it lasts for five days. Thanks for the video!

@scottzeezee4343 2 жыл бұрын

Make sure the oil level is the same for both forks. I did what you did and the suspension was harsh after that. I must have added too much oil. The seal mate is great, but after using it compress the forks several times before re-assembly. If it leaks use the seal mate again and it may work. Then put everything back together.

@marcjohnson7882 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for going through that

@Lucian-RoHD Жыл бұрын

I ordered the oil seal. But still want to give it a try to this method. Sooo… i will have some work tomorrow! Thanks mate!

@felicelgato59 4 ай бұрын

I used the seal clean on my 2002 honda goldwing and it worked, so easy, and will use it again

@DavidJones-we2ex 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video man!

@antoinewinch7522 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent trick ! Thanks

@benjaminjimenez1192 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info, it worked on my forks.

@AdventureDaily 4 жыл бұрын

Good to hear!

@johnDukemaster 4 жыл бұрын

Good thinking! Thank you!

@RobKwalheim 4 күн бұрын

The number of likes and positive comments on this post prove that you were on to something. I'm next to try it out. Nothing to lose but 10 minutes of my time and if it works, then I'm ahead $500. Thanks for posting.

@gregspinks8487 4 жыл бұрын

🖐️👍😁 dude, in my experience, when fork seals have gone,I've always had to change them . great video man from R1 Greg 👊😉👌

@alu_pigus Жыл бұрын

Great video, really helpful.

@cjfleming74 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for making the video. I have the same bike and same problem

@peterorro883 2 жыл бұрын

Good idea! Will give it a go!

@mikedeboer9033 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir my seals also doing their job again!

@thomaskane5200 4 жыл бұрын

Good vid, thanks. You might try using contact cleaner next time rather than harsh brake cleaner. Electrical contact cleaner will not hurt rubber seals. I use it for carb cleaning as well.

@jordannowakowski1861 3 жыл бұрын

thanks for this great vid!

@nilsson5593 3 жыл бұрын

Great vid!

@Janpva. 3 ай бұрын

did it.!. it worked.. unbelievable

@kristopherparkes 3 жыл бұрын

Worked like a charm on my kx450! Thanks!

@1eyedjackss 5 ай бұрын

Would it work for the top seals as well?

@just_in_time5518 4 жыл бұрын

I have one leaking on my 2000 Klx300r. I’m going to try this! Thanks for the Video dude! Big help!

@fataltrigger04clipzz36 4 жыл бұрын

Did it work ?

@TylerTheBassCreator 4 жыл бұрын

Sick. I used to have a klx650r. Always wanted to give a 300r a try. Maybe some day!

@just_in_time5518 4 жыл бұрын

Tyler The Bass Creator you should! They are really good trail bikes!

@josephmiddleton8754 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video mate, very helpful! Btw i subbed :)

@AdventureDaily 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!! Thank you for the support!

@marioguzman9290 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the awesome video! If you can do a video on starting your two stroke Dirtbike would be really cool. My YZ250 has a ton of compression but it's hard to kick start. Thanks

@IMARBAN 3 жыл бұрын

awesome video Thank you!!!

@kaput450 11 ай бұрын

Worked for me, thanks!

@Jrb8k3n 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks from Texas!

@barba1013 4 жыл бұрын

Imma just send it hahahah pretty much how i feel after you-tubing repairs

@brodymarton7038 2 жыл бұрын

I have a Kawasaki klx250 and my fork seals were leaking, but after your video I learned how to fix em up. Thanks for the help! And great video!

@acehandler1530 2 ай бұрын

"Oh...that's plastic cleaner...didn't wanna do that!" lol! Good video, I'll be making my own seal-mate thanks, excellent.

@johnnytest55 4 жыл бұрын

Noyce, Ill try this tomorrow!

@TheNahoami 11 ай бұрын

Super helpful video by a handsome well spoken dude! Thank YOU

@AdventureDaily 11 ай бұрын

Thank you!! Glad it helped.

@chuckbelow337 2 жыл бұрын

I did this twice on my 1190 Adventure and was very thorough but leaked. The third time sprayed the tool and seal with Muc-Off. (a waterbase cleaner). I could feel it cutting crud this time as I swiped the seal and that fixed the leak. Slight water contamination maybe but saved Hundred$. as rule: always just spray rag when possible - to not breath VOCs, splash eyes, or the rotor.

@christopherermac9325 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video sir. It helps a lot especially in this time of pandemic. Money is precious this times. More power.

@damienhowell3727 Жыл бұрын

U flipping legend lol thank u so much for this awesome tip truly fantastic idea welldone

@rafaelpulido2722 3 жыл бұрын

Your badass man thank you for your time 🙏

@AdventureDaily 3 жыл бұрын

Any time!

@digimoto3290 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks bro. Hopefully it work in my bike.

@8ighty.3 2 жыл бұрын

I love all the sk8 stickers on the mini fridge in the garage

@rastaracing1468 2 жыл бұрын

Great video bud

@Danman1972 Жыл бұрын

Try the seal dr. Works great. Easy to do and you can keep it in tool box. The big rounded end can push dirt into the fluid and will wreck you bushings. The Seal dr. is worth the 20 bucks. As you spin it to insert the hook pulls the dirt down and out. Not sure if those are open chamber, but you can measure the air gap to get the correct amount of fluid since what is unknown in the forks. One fork with more fluid than that other will make it feel funky. You should likely take it apart and inspect sooner rather than that later. Also, like mentioned loosen the top clamp to take the cap off. Not doing so will hold it way tighter and you run the chance of stripping or messing up the fork cap.

@rita6198 3 ай бұрын

First class video many thanks Banjoe Joe

@danielharry1075 4 жыл бұрын

Brilliant!!!

@T3m0ur 4 жыл бұрын

I did it and it worked!!!! YO I WAS SHOCKED!!!

@AdventureDaily 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome to hear!!

@ALittleMoore624 4 жыл бұрын

Ahhh I see what you did there lol

@Boosted_stock 4 жыл бұрын

Did it really work

@adamsantiago4541 4 жыл бұрын

Pun intended?

@alexonwheels4190 3 жыл бұрын

I can feel the suspense as you waited to see if it was still leaking or not! Sorry if I have gone too far with that one 😂

@RudeboyMoto 4 жыл бұрын

Little tip, you should always loosen top clamp before removing fork cap, then tighten up once fork cap back in.

@diversedad7954 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah I destroyed the fork cap tool not loosening those on my KTM. One side came loose fine, the other was super tight. Stupid mistake but I won't do it again! Had to buy another fork cap tool(KTM specialty thing). Some of the best lessons aren't free!

@maxmcvicker 3 жыл бұрын

why is this? what does the clamp have to do with the tightness of the fork cap?

@RudeboyMoto 3 жыл бұрын

@@maxmcvicker because the top clamp when tight puts extra force on the fork cap and can strip the threads as that area at top of fork tubes is quite thin and can deform if top clamp is to tight, i just changed the springs, oil in my crf250l forks and even the ohlins guide tells you to loosen the top clamp before removing the cap, its something that really should be done when servicing any forks.

@diversedad7954 3 жыл бұрын

@@maxmcvicker Because it apparently has just enough pressure that it squeezes the top of the fork tube in ever so slightly sometimes enough to keep the fork cap from coming loose. One of mine came out without removing the clamp, one didn't. I guess thats also a good reason why they give torque specs on all those.

@neilzappa2480 3 жыл бұрын

Brake cleaner Brake cleaner and more brake cleaner I love that stuff It’s like liquid gold ! Great vid 🤘🏻

@AdventureDaily 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely!! So many different uses, thanks for the support!

@jonnysteel3595 3 жыл бұрын

Very useful information....thanks

@AdventureDaily 3 жыл бұрын

Welcome!

@bradleyboyd3692 3 ай бұрын

Going to try this on my R6 now!

@DaRRk_Knight 3 жыл бұрын

I’m going to try this tomorrow. I’ll as let you know how it goes!! Lol I’m a née rider and I have a 2004 GSXR 600 and my fork is leaking!

@AdventureDaily 3 жыл бұрын

Should work as long as your seals aren't completely dry rotted!

@deniseclark2639 Жыл бұрын

VERY ENTERTAINING😄

@robertbell1696 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely excellent video!! Especially compared to related videos.

@AdventureDaily Жыл бұрын

Glad you think so! Appreciate the feedback and support! 👍🏻

@paliy241 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for advise

@sylvainb4049 4 жыл бұрын

Another good accessory for your shorter wrench is get a steel tube that just fits over the handle of the wrench. That will give you an extra foot or so of length and better leverage for easier removal of whatever your trying to loosen saving you from buying a longer wrench.

@mareewakeford5434 2 жыл бұрын

It would be better to get a breaker bar, to much leverage on a ratchet will shear the teeth on the gears inside.

@VashStarwind Жыл бұрын

Ahh yes, ye olde cheater bar haha

@jpaul5387 3 жыл бұрын

Someone told me to use a tear off to make the "seal saver" and that was amazing advice. Especially if you're at the track and it happens. Someone will probably have one

@thetruth777 3 жыл бұрын

What's a tear off?? I have one leaking fork, left front, 06 monster 620

@jasonbellis9128 2 жыл бұрын

@@thetruth777 tear offs for goggles, they use them in MX racing to clear mud from goggle lenses

@1FlyingSikh 2 жыл бұрын

Just found this video. Would this trick work on a 2003 450R? I’m gonna try this afternoon before replacing the seals.

@jabeselamuthu3800 2 жыл бұрын

thank you bro. it worked perfectly... but i have some doubt.. how long it will work

@draven4464 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much

@MiniLee420 5 ай бұрын

all i can say is thank you what a fix

@travisconrad5035 4 жыл бұрын

I have a 2006 VTX 1300c almost 90000km is it to soon for seals if they leak lol just kidding I also have a Grom 2014 OG I'm thinking 450l is going to be bike number 3 love your videos.

@leo_spiegel 2 жыл бұрын

Hello , is there a way to top up front suspension oil? I've noticed a oil leak and I fixed it myself but there were a lot of dirt in brake disc and other parts.

@billcotton1551 4 жыл бұрын

I think I will try this.

@Leftbanger1976 Жыл бұрын

Yeah man good vid 😂. Will definitely try this b4 I pull them apart. I think people are really to padantic when comes to alot of jobs. It don't matter about the brake cleaner or WD-40 or what ever. Use what ya want to get the job done, especially like ya said ya gonna pull fork apart at a later date...so it really don't matter does it.. cheers mate excellent video. I like how ya send it..

@Leftbanger1976 Жыл бұрын

PS. I really like how ya just don't talk to the sound of your own voice like alot of people do.?? Thinking there talking to beginners.. so all in all just with that said the video is the best I've seen.

@Cheezeball99999 3 ай бұрын

My FZR600 handles like hot dog water, hoping I can change the fork oil and be good to go. I'll probably use oil jug plastic for my seal tool. Great video, guess I'll subscribe or something.

@beatbox9985 2 жыл бұрын

Question,,,,,,,,,,,, I've got some old mtb marzzocchi forks. shops wont touch.. they not been used much but seem a little dry over the years. Seals look fine .... would adding few ml behind the seals help get things moving again? Not sure if the bushing are staring to knock I know this might just mean things are dry and need some more lubrication. Thanks guys

@23MikeJ22 Жыл бұрын

great vid thx

@thevideoguy90 Жыл бұрын

You called it before they did lol 6:10 Good video man, thanks.

@jbeezy126 3 жыл бұрын

hey just wondering how well this ended up holding up....my fork looks like yours in the beginning of the video

@scoremxcom 2 жыл бұрын

Get some old Kodak type film, perfect and you have an entire roll. Do it before every ride and you will put an air bubble in the and lubricate the fork seals to reduce stiction.