SuzukiSavage.com /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Next question: front forks /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1364574009 Message started by JRLeathercraft on 03/29/13 at 09:20:09

Title: Next question: front forks Post by JRLeathercraft on 03/29/13 at 09:20:09 I appear to have a leak on the left fork. It's not bad, but I'm told (guess who told me) that this should be a priority as there is the possibilty of leaking to the breaks. It's really not bad now, but I can belive it could get worse. Now: How about this job? I'm thinking this could be one I could do myself. I have the clymer.

Title: Re: Next question: front forks Post by verslagen1 on 03/29/13 at 09:40:16 This is one of those "it can be a problem" but unless the leakage is severe it won't be with a little attention before each ride. mines been leaking since I got it... should fix itself any day now   :-? only collects soot, doesn't leak enough to drip. And that should be the deciding factor... shouldn't drip on the disc. It's not hard to do, but you do have to take down the front end. drain and rnr the forks.  and you need either a special tool or a bit of luck and a boom handle.

Title: Re: Next question: front forks Post by JRLeathercraft on 03/29/13 at 09:46:53 Thanks - read the clymer and it recommends special tools. It's not dripping, it is wet to the touch of the black seal. I though it might be one of those things you keep an eye on. Jay

Title: Re: Next question: front forks Post by WD on 03/29/13 at 09:54:09 Leaked since 2/2/98 when I dumped the clutch, aired out the front end and came down a bit hard...  ::) Wipe it off once in awhile with a rag and leave it alone.

Title: Re: Next question: front forks Post by Serowbot on 03/29/13 at 10:32:32 JR,.. has your bike been sitting for while?... I'm asking because, it often happens when a bike has been sitting, that the seals dry out a bit, and weep... After putting some miles back on the bike, the seals get better... Like the other folks say,... if it's just weeping,.. don't rush to fix it... Wait and see if it gets better or worse...

Title: Re: Next question: front forks Post by gdrseeker on 03/29/13 at 13:42:12 I did mine this last month.....not hard at all. You will need two of each http://www.bikebandit.com/1996-suzuki-savage-650-ls650p/o/m147804#sch240329 5: SEAL,DUST (optional) 6: RING OIL SEAL S   7: SEAL,OIL I needed new (#5 Dust seals) because mine were cracked and leaking, but if yours are good you don't need those. I thought I could get away with using the old ring oil seals but mine were rusted and trash I would order those to be sure. I also ordered two each of 10: F FORK CYLINDER (optional) 11: FORK CYLINDER G (optional) The allen bolt head on one of my forks was stripped slightly I was lucky to be able to remove it.  also I was missing one coper washer, not sure if I lost it or if it was missing from the previous owner.  you dont need these if yours are in good condition. You will need one quart of ATF or fork oil. 14.9 oz fro each fork in the OEM ones. You will need blue locktite to put on the allen bolts when you put it back together. A section of 2" diameter PVC A home made tool for separating the parts inside the fork tube. I used the one described here. http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1298159607/15 2 5/8ths 8" bolts 2 5/8ths Nuts 1 5/8s coupler These both describe how to do the process.   http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1130248382 http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1300797103/0 Back to top

Title: Re: Next question: front forks Post by mpescatori on 03/29/13 at 15:17:16 JRLeathercraft, IMHO it all depends on how and where you use the bike. If it's all smooth blacktop (asphalt) and you are a gentle and careful rider, then new seals and oil (maybe thicker oil) will do the trick. If it's rough out there and you ride hard (not carefree, not careless, just hard) then perhaps an upgrade might be an interesting option. Check out 38 or 39mm front forks off a dirt bike, anything from 350cc up is a good option. Honda XLs, Suzy DRs, Mahaha XT or TTs... All excellent front forks. ;)

Title: Re: Next question: front forks Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/29/13 at 16:21:43 FWIW, a coupla years back we had a gal called Savage Wahine( from Hawaii) hanging here. She was very talented, built props & costumes for the theater folks, made her a bib for the tank, put seals in her forks. I was humbled by this lady,, I wish she would come back.

Title: Re: Next question: front forks Post by houstonbofh on 03/29/13 at 22:37:11 It can dry out, and use may bring it back... If not, try this handy tool.  http://sealmate.net/  It can fix some minor issues. Iff all that fails, you need a new seal.  Before you decide, get a quote.  I know how to do it myself, and paid a guy instead.  Between the tools I did not have, and the time I did not have, letting him fix it was a bargain. Oh, and it was her bike, which is why I did not have time, and could not let it slide... :)

Title: Re: Next question: front forks Post by Greg on 03/30/13 at 06:00:02 I never did the seals on a bike before. I am confident that I can, but like houston, I did not have the tools. I also don't have a work bench. I ended up using the barter system with the bike garage. I traded my PC talent for their motorcycle talent. It was a win win for both. Perhaps if you are dealing with a small shop, you can offer some leather goods in trade?

Title: Re: Next question: front forks Post by old_rider on 03/30/13 at 07:32:50 JR....after reading a few posts about your "mechanic" I've got to ask this question. Was it or did you notice it "wet" or weeping before you took it in to him? Some businesses (shady ones) will fix your current problem and create or point out another that should be fixed and putting a couple of drops of oil on a shock or forktube to make it look like its leaking is way to get more income for a shady mechanic. I'm not saying he did this, but some do and thats why whenever I take my bikes in for a major maintenance of some kind (when I dont have a special tool to do a job) I always look my bike over. That way if they scratch, ding or do something to the bike I know right away and point it out to them, you might even want to take pictures of your bike before you take it in (if your memory fails like mine does). Just asking mind you....not saying your mech. is out to get you or anything.....

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