Forkin’ seals...

Fast Eddie

Fast Eddie

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So, my brand new fork seals with brand new stanchions are leaking. They only started leaking after I upgraded the front brake, so I guess it’s at least a sign that the brake is good!

Are there any brands of seal that actually work and last? Any to avoid? Any proven mods in this area?

And as daft as it sounds, is any particular brand / type of fork oil more or less prone to leaking out passed the seals?

I hate fork seals. It’s such a big job to fix such a small / cheap thing. I only want to fix it once !
 
Standard issue 1980, so the softer, so called ‘leak proof’ I guess.

But I’ve no idea who made them etc. Hence the request for a known and proven brand or supplier etc...
 
Ariete fork seals have a good reputation and are double lipped not single lipped as the Norton OEM, but they need reducing on the OD and the ones used on Nortons are for 35mm stanchions not 34.5mm. Have a set but never had to fit them.
 
I was kinda hoping for a recommendation for seals that would fit without re-engineering if possible...
 
Fast Eddie said:
Standard issue 1980, so the softer, so called ‘leak proof’ I guess.
Click to expand...

Your 1980 model should have the 'circlip' forks, so were the 'loose' retainers and circlips fitted?

Leak Proofs seem to work for some forks but not for others although I suspect they are not always genuine Leak Proof.
https://leakproofforkseals.com/

An alternative is to use conventional seals such as genuine Ariete.
https://www.thunderbirdspares.com/f...ers-97-4001-ariete-superior-quality-939-p.asp
 
Thanks all, Ariete seem worth a try.

Now... similar question regarding gaiters... I stopped using gaiters cos I got fed up with them splitting. But I’m considering using them again, recommendations on gaiters that last ?
 
I can't understand why the rubber parts supplied for Brit bikes are so shit. I've had gearchange & kickstart rubbers fail the first time I've used them, & gaiters don't seem to last long either.
Years ago I worked in the tool room of a rubber mouldings company & the compounds are available to ensure long life parts. Maybe it's because they are made in India.
Check out the Ariete website as I know they list fork gaiters.
 
This may not apply, ..........but somewhat recently I installed new fork seals in my Norton Commando. They leaked badly.
When I tore the forks apart, I discovered I had installed them upside down. I installed new fork seals correctly and they
haven't leaked a drop since. I didn't get any special leakproof types that some vendors sell.
 
They are for Triumph T120/140/150/160 disc type sliders & may also fit the earlier drum brake aluminium sliders. I have these in my TR7 & recently sold OIF T160. I have also fitted this make to a couple of T160s, Hinckley Triumph, Honda RC30, Ducati 888 to name a few. They are top quality & don't seem to give problems.
 
Matchless said:
They are for Triumph T120/140/150/160 disc type sliders & may also fit the earlier drum brake aluminium sliders. I have these in my TR7 & recently sold OIF T160. I have also fitted this make to a couple of T160s, Hinckley Triumph, Honda RC30, Ducati 888 to name a few. They are top quality & don't seem to give problems.
Click to expand...

Great, any of these to fit Norton tubes?
 

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