Leaky fork seal

[Strommerboy]

I've detected a leaking fork seal. I say leaking but it's really only a smear of oil that's showing above the dust cap/seal. What's more it seems to be leaking, or rather weeping, only intermittently. Yesterday after a ride I found a trace of leaking fluid.  I carefully cleaned up the fork before I rode out today but when I got back home and checked the seal no leak was apparent. The problem is, and this is where a bit of advice would be much appreciated, I'm off to the Black Forest next week, fully loaded, two up. Is this an issue that can be left until I get back or does it need sorting pronto?

[Keith Cross]

Its your call really and to be honest do you have time to get it all fixed?  Trouble is it might be OK, it might fail completely on your trip.  If it does fail the oil could contaminate your brake pads on that side and seriously effect your braking.

Keith C

[Strommerboy]

Thanks Keith. I guess it would be best to get it done then. It'll be a bit of a rush job but I've spoken to the bloke who services my bike and am hopeful he'll get it sorted for me. Not sure how much of my holiday spending money it's going to use up though.

[Juvecu]

I'd also do it rather than leave it. Should be 2 oil seals, 2 dust seals, no more than 2 litres of oil (will be just over a litre used really) and about an hour or 1.5 worth of labour. It's something you can do on an afternoon after work and you'll be done before your evening meal

[mjc506]

I have a fork seal driver if you want to borrow it? The dust seals can be pushed in by hand, but the oil seals will need some assistance.

[Strommerboy]

Thanks for the advice and offer of support, esp. to MJC. I'm going to sort this asap. or rather I'm hoping that Carl Harrison at Harleston  will be able to do it for me.

[mjc506]

Good man. It's little niggly things like this that can ruin a holiday when they get worse

Anyway, think how smooth and plush that suspension will be