Observation, and my theory: why the seal leaks.....

[KCKBMOA]

Okay, I've been playing mechanic and so far replaced the steering head bearings, and just finished the fork seals, (which BTW was ALOT easier than I expected). Those seals had me fooled, as most seal of that design have a spring holding the seal lip against the shaft on the liquid side of the item. So at 1st glance I thought, "well there's the reason, these are in upside down", but these BMW seals have a spring on BOTH sides, and the one you can see easily, does faces UP. So, that wasn't why it was leaking. My observation: the spring on the liquid side is rusty, and appears to have lost it's tension/pull. I believe moisture gets in there, most likely from washing, and rusts the spring,..... not to mention it gets in the oil! The new seals had much more spring tension. I'm installing those Rancho p/n 1952 boots on the froks to help with the moisture issue. And,.... being more careful with the washing technique! :brow KC

[SugarHillCTD]

KC,

Just did the seal and boot routine myself about a month ago.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3326/3435477167_dbd0774b4c.jpg

Now that leak is fixed, along with the timing cover and valve cover- time for a little riding. Then the rear engine seal- which I am NOT looking forward to.

Good luck with your K.

John

[Ridealot]

I don't understand why every bike (with forks) doesn't come with fork boots installed at the factory.

I used to replace fork seals almost every year. If it wasn't dried bugs on the forks tearing up the seals it was ice from fog tearing them up. I finally got smart and added fork boots. I then put another 100K miles on the same bike without ever needing to replace another fork seal.

Now every time I get a new bike the fork boots are one of the first things added.

[KCKBMOA]

This is my first bike without fork boots, All my old Brit bikes have'em..... gaitors. So, now I know to add them if they are missing!! KC