How to Fix Leaking Fork Seals on Any Motorcycle or Dirt Bike with Seal Mate

1. Don't Spend Hundreds to Replace Your Fork Seals Fix it With Seal Mate

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Remove the Fork Guard

• Remove any guard blocking the fork tube area. Usually removing 2 bolts located at the bottom of the fork tube can do this. 

Clean Around Dust Seal

• Clean entire area around the dust seal with contact cleaner to prevent any excess dirt or debris from entering the seal.

Remove Dust Seal

• Use a small screwdriver to assist in sliding away the dust seal, exposing the oil seal. Slide the dust seal down to the bottom of the fork tube to get it out of the way.

Remove Oil Seal Spring (If Applicable)

•  If the oil seal has a spring around it, gently roll it away with the flat head screwdriver.

Clean Around Oil Seal

• Clean entire area around oil seal, which is located approximately 1/2" from the bottom of the fork where the dust seal is normally located. Apply contact cleaner around this area, and then wipe it with a clean towel.

Insert Seal Mate

• Carefully insert the hooked end of the Seal Mate tool between the seal and fork tube. This should be inserted approximately 1/2" deep. The Seal Mate tool should be parallel to the fork tube to maximize its performance. We recommend using lubrication to help insert the tool.

Rotate Seal Mate 360 Degrees

• Gently rotate the Seal Mate tool around the fork tube making sure that the hooked end is the leading edge. Rotate the tool around the fork tube at least 360 degrees to make sure that all of the dirt and debris has been removed from the fork seal.

 Remove Seal Mate

•  After a complete 360 degree rotation, continue rotating Seal Mate tool as you are removing the tool so you can be sure you removed all the debris, dirt, and grime from the fork seal, which is the cause of your fork seals to leak.

Reassemble the Oil Seal Spring (if applicable)

• Reassemble the oil seal spring by pushing the spring back into the oil seal crevasse.  

Compress the Forks by Pumping Them Up to 10 Times

• Compress the forks several times by applying pressure from the handlebars while holding the front brake. Repeateadly compress the forks about 5 to 10 times in order to get the oil seal to re seal. As you compress the forks a few times wipe off any excess oil on the fork tube in between the 5 to 10 pumps. If oil is still leaking, repeat the process starting at step #5.

Replace the Dust Seal

• Pull the dust seal back up to the top of the fork tube. Make sure to insert the dust seal back into the fork. The dust seal should fit into place becoming flush with the fork.

Re-attach the Fork Guard

• Re-attach the fork guard by replacing the bolts that were used to remove them. Usually the fork guards are mounted near the bottom of the fork tube.

Be Sure to Fill Fork Oil to Manufactures Specifications

• As always it is extremely important to have the proper amount of oil in your front forks, as this deals with the performance and functionality of your front suspension. Be sure to check with your specific manufacture's recommendation for proper oil lever as all bikes and forks have different specifications to perform optimally.

Tips

• • Purchase Seal Mate Directly from the manufacture at www.sealmate.net otherwise find it at your local motorcycle shop or at the Motion Pro website.
  • Make sure to use a clean towel that does not leave any fibers or pieces of cloth behind.
  • Use a flat head screwdriver but be VERY gentle so you don't scratch your forks or damage the dust seal.