Fork seals question

[BigSpenda864]

I trailered my K-9 a while back to ride with some buddies. When I took the bike off the trailer I didn't noticed anything out of the ordinary. I looked over the bike and everything seems to be good to go.

I did notice a bit of dried fluid on my pegs but I thought it was just something that flew up while on the road. Once I started riding I noticed the same fluid was on the forks. It was dry when I saw the fluid and it appeared to be whitish (no comments about white fluid necessary boys). After further inspection, it appeared the fluid may have been coming from my forks. I assumed I must've busted a fork seal by tying the bike down too hard. I cleaned the fluid off and finished the ride without noticing any more fluid leaking from anywhere.

I haven't noticed any issues with the ride, etc. of the bike. I was planing on having it checked next time I get the bike serviced but is it something I should rush to get looked at? Is there any way to check it myself and what exactly am I looking for in a busted seal?

 

[narow37]

white fluid doesn't sound like fork oil. dirty fork oil will be silvery grey, new fork oil will be clear green(at least what I've used). oil on the fork tubes will look like just a clear oily film just above the fork seal covers. other than that, I dont know what it would be.

 

[V]

If you have washed your bike or got caught in the rain its a chance some water got inside the top covers . if it did it will wok its way out. I have that happen before after a haeavy rain

 

[narow37]

i should have said that oil and water will create a white froth. could have been that.

 

[RRRUFF]

Probably as said, just water. Straping the front down is ok as long as you don't bottom the front forks out. Leave a little room for flex, that's why straps with keepers on the hooks are important.

 

[chacha]

fork fluid don't "dry" whatever it was, it don't sound like fork fluid.

 

[KaptinAmerika]

Ya gotta stop playin with yourself while you ride your gettin the fluids confused.

Sorry juz couldn't resist

 

[BigSpenda864]

Thanks guys. It sounds like water that worked its way out like you all said. It was certinaly dry so its probably not fork oil. I didn't think of how hard it would be for fork oil to "dry" out. It seems to ride and work fine so I won't worry unless I see something change. Thanks again fellas!

 

[Raywood]

Thanks guys. It sounds like water that worked its way out like you all said. It was certinaly dry so its probably not fork oil. I didn't think of how hard it would be for fork oil to "dry" out. It seems to ride and work fine so I won't worry unless I see something change. Thanks again fellas!

Just remember to remove the fork caps and dry them out after each ride in the rain or after washing. They can hold a lot of water.

 

[Gas Man]

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/how/9844-how-fork-dust-covers-water-issue.html

 

[BigSpenda864]

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/how/9844-how-fork-dust-covers-water-issue.html

Have you noticed this site is kind of like an I-Phone commercial? Every time someone has an issue on here, someone posts "There's a link for that".

 

[Gas Man]

Yeah good call. Many of the members here have put in the leg work to make it easy for anybody newer on the scene.