Fork Seals

[Otis]

On Sunday after a short run of say 5 miles and having met up with some guys it was noticed that my front offside tyre had some moisture streaks on it. Fork seals were mentioned and one chap felt around the lower end and said "yes definitely a weeping fork seal". Another chap said to wipe it all clean and see if it occurs again. Well typically, it hasn't occurred again after circa 60 miles of riding and everything is as clean and dry as a whistle as I write.

My only thought is that on the Sunday I recall hitting a quite depressed manhole cover and felt the forks bottom out; it was quite a jar.. Could it be possible that a significant compression like this could actually force a little oil past the seal or would the consensus be that it is likely that a seal is failing?

Any thoughts/guidance would be appreciated, thank you

[Bryanj]

With correct amount inside nothing should come out on max compression

[taysidedragon]

Just keep a close eye on it. If the seals are leaking there will be a film of oil on the chrome stanchions just above the dust covers. If there is an oil leak on the bottom of the fork sliders it could be coming from the bottom fork bolt. Keep checking.

[Otis]

Many many thanks for those two helpful replies.

I will monitor it closely but its slightly odd that the seepage should have occurred in a one off situation. Perhaps the seals are weak and perishing so whilst it shouldn't happen under max compression, perhaps it did and is a sign that they are going to fail soon.

From the records I have they were replaced 2000 miles ago but that was nearly 20 years ago!!

[taysidedragon]

Was it one leg or both? Worth lifting the dust covers to see what the condition is like underneath.

[Otis]

Yes, in fairness it was just the one leg on the Offside.

[Otis]

Was it one leg or both? Worth lifting the dust covers to see what the condition is like underneath.

Is that possible without dismantling the fork?

[Oddjob]

Yes, dust covers should just pop up.