Leaking Fork Tube Seals

[The Mindless Philosopher]

Yesterday, I misdiagnosed what I thought was a weeping front brake line. This morning, I walked into the garage and was greeted with puddles on both sides of the front tire. My fork seals decided they'd rupture. At least I'm (ignorantly) getting two new brake lines out of it. They surely need to be replaced, anyway, so why not?

Anyway...

I have no clue how to proceed. Forum threads, YouTube how-to's, and phone calls... I shudder to think what this might cost if I don't attempt DYI.

[The Mindless Philosopher]

Where can I find a pair of replacement seals that will fit the tubes of a 2001 Boss Hoss with inverted fork for a reasonable price?

How difficult is it to replace them via DIY, or should I run it to a shop and fork out the bucks?

[The Mindless Philosopher]

Interesting read... I think I might give it a go.

https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/t ... cement-job

[The Mindless Philosopher]

This is a different setup, but the concept should be the same. I figure it's at least worth trying. I suppose it couldn't hurt to try.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1P2MSpMhfNs

[The Mindless Philosopher]

One more:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NR8GYeVHc0Q

[V8Bikers]

Do you have the inverted or standard forks?

[The Mindless Philosopher]

Do you have the inverted or standard forks?

Inverted.

[502wingman]

I have used "seal mate" before and it worked.

[rocketsteve]

How are you getting on with the seals Brent?

Local rider has just picked up a 350 trike and he thought his fork seals had gone, I had a closer look and found it's the O rings in the lower legs!
I'd say the previous owner had been popping wheelies and landed the front wheel down hard to do this damage, the chrome has also started to peel off the lowers where they screw onto the bottom of the forks.

[mmaupin]

With regards to the lower leg seal leaking, there is a fix that is quite simple.

With the front wheel off, unscrew (not all the way) the offending lower fork, exposing about 12 or 14MM of thread. Clean with brake cleaner, apply "medium strength" threadlocker, then reassemble. This was a trick Adrian West and others used. Worked great for me.

[rocketsteve]

Thanks Mark, I'll pass him your fix...

[The Mindless Philosopher]

Haven't found anyone within 200 miles willing to touch it, and I don't have the means to replace the seals myself, BUT these look like some great hints that I can monkey with. I'll take a whack at it. Thank you all!

[The Mindless Philosopher]

If I were Daddy Rich Bucks, I'd have a beefy springer font end built for this and scrap these nasty fluid-filled forks. Oh well. Beggars can't be choosers. I'll keep on keepin' on...

[Orlando606VetteTrike]

- Inner Tube Holder Tool

Fork Assembly Disassembled.

Honda P/N: 51490-MWO-003

If your capable slide the forks out, disassemble, using the fender clamp to hold the inner tube, unscrew lower leg, slide inner assemble out the top. Go to local Honda dealer and have them remove and install the seal. Either call the factory, a dealer, or go to local oring shop and match up o'rings for lower leg and top cap. Reassemble. Just be sure cover bottom of inner tube with plastic bag, lubed good, before sliding through the new oil seal.

Use this thread sealant on the threads of the lower tube when reinstalling.

Call me if you have any questions. 407-497-4277

[The Mindless Philosopher]

Excellent! Thank you!