DIY: Fork Seals Made Easy!

Dr. Dirt's Step-By-Step Fork Seal Swap.
Leaky fork seals are, for lack of a better description, a royal pain in the neck. The most common ailment to plague front suspension, a leaky fork seal can ruin your day by affecting your bike's handling, covering your front brake pads in oil and generally just making a total mess of things. Most of the time a leaky fork seal is the result of dirt inside of the seal, but it can also be caused by a nick or ding in the fork tube from an impact with a rock or stick. But no matter what the cause, a weeping fork seal needs to be fixed, and oftentimes that means tearing into the suspension and changing the seal out. Fortunately, this isn't as difficult as you may think.
Dirt Rider tech guru Scot Gustafson (the man behind the Dr. Dirt tech stories here on www.dirtrider.com) insists that changing afork seal is easy enough for most riders to do in their own garage. To help prove his point, we filmed Scot changing a fork seal in the Dirt Rider tech center and explaining step-by-step how he completes this job. You might want to bookmark this video for reference because someday, no matter if you ride motocross or off-road, you're going to need to address this issue!
Tools used
Fork Cap Wrench - amzn.to/2Q7tzzm
Motion Pro Fork Seal Bullets - amzn.to/2Eey8mQ
Bel - Ray fork oil - amzn.to/2Wbez92
Motion Pro Fork Oil Level Tool - amzn.to/2YCpWEr
Read more: www.dirtrider.com/features/for...

[@andrewmccracken6001]

Can already tell I'm gonna watch the video like 30+ times when I do this to my yz80

[@findvoltage]

Do it step by step, dont watch it countless times and think you will remember it. Thats a trap. Put your tools in hand and do each step and pause the video till you are ready for the next step. You will learn way faster.

[@Earth_By_Board]

put the video in slow motion g

[@mattagostino2213]

I was about to pay the dealer almost $250 to do this.. Instead I bought the tools, seals and oil for $60. Thank you!

[@elis51501]

I just did the same thing😬

[@kev2bkr]

Just finished doing my fork seals based off this simple instruction video. Definitely helped! Got it done in a few hrs, used tape instead of the bullet, and bought a seal driver from the local parts store, and used a adjustable wrench as the spacer. Ill be doing fork oil changes more often now, saving myself 200-300 dollars having a moto mechanic doing it. Thanks!

[@easternyellowjacket276]

Best fork seal video on the internet. Even after all of these years. Great job and thank you for making it!!

[@ethanstroup1457]

This dude is the man....anyone should feel privileged to ride a bike he's worked on.

[@robinbourbeau]

Adjustable wrench works well in a pinch for the "damper rod holding tool"

[@gazvlogs7459]

Yeah I thought the same for the "fork cap tool" all those unnecessary gimmick tools are just a waste of money

[@JakeBown4794]

While I do agree, I do find it very nice to have a specific tool for the job.

[@JakeBown4794]

It looks like a piece of plastic he cut himself.

[@lycanthrr2077]

why didn't i think of that, thank you!

[@jensgevers5279]

Top tip

[@mutilatedjello]

Every time i do fork seals i come back and watch this video. So straight forward and easy to understand

[@TripleTHC420]

Definitely subscribing bud! I’m new to learning all the mechanics. I just recently got my first bike. So Im watching to learn about all the parts and this guy is the first to actually take it apart, name the part, then explain what the part does. Thanks and I’ll be putting a thumbs up on all your videos!

[@stevodakine1]

I guess you have to try it on your own sooner or later, this tutorial will make the job a lot less intimidating for the first try. Great video, I appreciate the effort it took to make it all happen.

[@vitalic_drms]

it’s super easy! >goes into a mechanical puzzle with dozens of pieces

[@gf08344]

The best instructional video I've ever seen on forks. So many clever little tricks, like using the wheel bolt as a lever for example. So satisfying to watch a real pro!

[@vegasromaniac]

You are absolutely amazing . The best video by far I've ever seen regarding a motorcycle repair. If you would have a shop here in Vegas I would not take my bike anywhere else Thank you .

[@markgilder7757]

Really? Have a look at Moonfleet video on Fork seal replacement.

[@JorgeCalder]

Finally I find someone knowledgeable, clean and technical. Excellent !! I finally understand why the need to use a bullet or a bag with a masking tape. Thanks Scott !!!

[@TZGreg]

The best KYB fork seal/oil change video I've seen so far. Excellent work Dirt Rider Magazine!

[@ozgurakman10]

Very fine guide, thank you. Also you're working so clean, well done.

[@CougarESP]

Best is to loosen the fork cap before you take the forks out the triple-clamp. If your space is limited underneath the handlebars, take them off. Much easier. Those caps can be very tight sometimes.

[@littlechicken963]

I do it the same way in my shop . I loosen the caps before I pull the forks . Have never had to but you can lover the forks in the the triple clamps then snug the bolts up .

[@gabewilliams5993]

Corrie Theron nice kdx😉

[@THE-APEX]

Loosen the pinch bolts first at the top prior to loosening the top cap

[@robertwoods2505]

I refer to this video every time I change fork seals. By far, the best of KZbin!! Thank you for sharing it.

[@IBoostedSS]

Hey man, thanks for the video, great job of explaining the process. I have two leaking fork seals and this is what i needed to prepare me for whats to come

[@scottbellisle5581]

I’ve never seen anyone put their tree on it to hold it. That is very smart and thank you for this tip, that’s really intuitive. Thanks, Scotty B

[@jonganzer7478]

Hey Scott, Clear, concise, and VERY helpful, thanks for taking time to help us ordinary riders out! There were several generations of KYB USD fork, and the internals are very different - one thing that might be helpful to know is whether this one you are working on is a 43mm, 46mm or 48mm (I'm quite certain it's not one of the early (and short lived) 41mm). Thank you!

[@swedishrick377]

Thanks for the tip of heating the fork leg to make it easier to pop out the oil seal! You the man!

[@bruiser80030]

Excellent video! I followed the directions and had no problems changing out the seal. I’m guessing this saved me around $250. One tip, if you get the Tusk cap wrench, the back end can be used as the damper rod holding tool.

[@munster2172]

Excellent video. Our first build with the new dual chamber type system and your instruction was very helpful. Thank you,

[@elis51501]

Thank you so much, this tutorial gave me the insight and confidence to do this job, on a used DRZ400sm I just bought. 70$ in tools and seal kit, should arrive next week, thanks again

[@kellengallagher4139]

This was an awesome video. Gave me the confidence to change my own fork seals. Also, I love your garage man!

[@medveds1]

Thanks a mil, reading the manual is one thing but having it shown to you is awesome. Great vid cheers.

[@thumbus2003]

Thanks for the video, did the fork seals on my 250 sxf yesterday took longer than expected but still easy just keep it clean.

[@brokenlegz]

thank you! I've never done it before but just did by following the video.

[@Kimsand520]

Just did this on my yz250f 08 and followed this video, it was really not that bad, quite fun actually! Thanks for the video!

[@Oneholed]

Excellent video, many thanks. Nice tidy workshop as well..

[@scottbellisle5581]

Another thing that is even more helpful after seeing this tip. Just unloosen it while it is on your motorcycle. Not bad after suing you use the tree to hold it. That gave me the thought of just loosening it while it is still on the motorcycle to make it even a lot easier to loosen the top one and the bottom one.

[@jesseisaac8808]

Excellent video.thank you for the great breakdown and rebuild procedure.

[@michaelsprinkle8593]

Best video iv'e seen on fork seal replacement. Great job!

[@johnfrederikson2002]

Nice job, thanks. Wish my shop was that clean and nice.

[@grattanlee7869]

The most useful clip I've viewed on the subject.👍

[@candy2seventy2]

Thanks buddy you explained it well and got my first seals done myself. Legend

[@watersportsgooff]

This is a very helpful video, thank you for posting this

[@LiverpoolFC658]

Great DIY vid thanks , I now have the confidence to have a go myself

[@danieloconnell6202]

Excellent vid mate .Thank you

[@billb295]

Every time I do fork seals I come back to this vid as a refresher.

[@igoraustin]

Great demo many thanks!

[@wyldde69]

Very thorough ... You made it sound so easy ..I will be doing this....thanks man

[@mrjata]

I have watched several of your videos, and have found them to be a huge wealth of information. I greatly appreciate your sharing them. Thank you! Have you done a video on how to check and adjust the valves on a yz450f? Your instructions are very easy to follow, more than some others. I am a bit punchy doing it the first time. I have adjusted MANY valves on various SBC street motors and race motors and understand the process. Thanks again

[@MrScottcrf450r]

Great video just done my 2010 yz450f made the hole job so much easier thanks so much.

[@VitaminDeeTV]

This video was very satisfying to watch for some reason. You have a very clean and organized way of working. I think that helped the job seem easy for most to try. I think I’ll price it out at my local shops first. If they’re too pricey, I’ll definitely be doing them myself. I have a feeling my friends will be asking me to help them rebuild their shocks soon. 🙄😅

[@Matt43]

Most shops are 2 hours of labor + overpriced parts. ~$180 + ~$70 is what I've heard. Make sure to confirm they will replace the bushings, washer, seal, clip and dust cover as well. Some shops are so corrupt they may even charge you for them but reuse anything that "isn't worn". While that is an acceptable procedure sometimes (as in this video), "worn" is a very subjective evaluation. In this video he justifies "worn" objectively by the copper coloring on the bushing, which is correct. Add to the high shop price... a questionable mechanic who may over-tighten things and it's a potentially tougher and more expensive job the next time.

[@Matt43]

Returning to this video again to do my fork seals, thank you!

[@midlifemx]

Thank you! I have the service manual but your video was much more helpful!

[@christopherdavidson4706]

Awesome content! Thank you.

[@CHRISTINIAWD]

Thanks for the helpful video. Super easy to follow!

[@BAHRAMCR]

Thank you, I wish you would do one for a sport bike . I have a Honda VFR, would it be similar to what you show here.Great video and a very clean workshop.

[@theassassin10r]

awesome job I will definitely be doing this myself when its needed

[@ethanhanes637]

This is a great video, and it was really in-depth

[@stewartknight7464]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge, great video

[@sdjfjnhfhjde]

Thanks Scott, very useful and helpful video

[@Mbmt_ADV]

Awesome video! Very helpful and takes the fear out of doing it yourself.

[@linusvingesand6713]

Great instructional video! This will help me a lot.

[@looneytunes47]

How could anybody give this a Thumbs Down? he did this Perfectly

[@danielsepulveda7638]

Excelente Master, bonito taller, nice work.

[@CumminsDieselDude]

I really wanted him to compress it on the ground when he was done lol

[@johnnysanchez4223]

Hi Steve watched your DIY 10X 4 my CRF250R 2017 thanks a bunch!!! Johnny

[@ricardocuetara1]

Great video! Thank you Scott!

[@Matt43]

This is an EXCELLENT video, thank you.

[@rms--ryder71]

Wonderful explanation. Thanks,

[@ptriceclop]

thanks for your clear explanations!

[@YSekiai]

I understand very well. Thank you very much! 🏁

[@miticjovan87]

Thank you for this great video...everything looks very easy when you know how to do it, it's not your's first time :) and if you have a proper tools, just perfect, you can do it on your own...greetings from Serbia

[@farrukhhasan7751]

Very perfect teaching.

[@TheRealKalEll]

Excellent video!! Thanx4sharing, thanx4caring.

[@jmvmx2880]

This is a awesome video

[@99v8cobra]

Man. Thank you. I have a 2009 YZ450F. Great video

[@davidkettlewell5643]

thank you so much for the video

[@Riiccccii]

Awesome video!!! Thanks!

[@fredglau171]

Excellent, your the man.

[@mvagusta750]

great helpfull video. i need to learn to keep work area clean like Guss,

[@bruyakoivan]

Thank you so much just did mine!👍

[@Moto-kp2jt]

Great video

[@alessandro5809]

Amazing video! thank you

[@drewhaha91]

Great instructions! Was thinking about trying to replace mine myself, until I saw the tools and material necessary to complete the job. Spend $150 on supplies and 4-6 hours of doing it myself, or spend $200 and drop them off at a shop...all about the convenience!

[@hamsandwich9311]

Since shen was a screwdriver and sockets $150?

[@drewhaha91]

You have to buy the seal kit, fork wrench, fork oil etc

[@williamoleary4108]

Fork seal driver alone is $50.... for a job you'll probably do once. Buy the entire kit and we hit that $150 real quick. Take the fork off of the bike and the shop only charges you .5 labor and parts (parts youre buying anyhow)

[@mattymccolgan9453]

All depends on how often you need new seals

[@jimmycone3717]

I followed this video to a tee and it was simple Great Video!

[@mikeander18]

Very well done!! Thank you!!!

[@mitchell1794]

Great work mate nice vid

[@ajlozadaro]

Very nice video bro! Regards from Venezuela!

[@Patrikstone]

What a great video. Greetings from Austria

[@jamesb1412]

Wow! An expert at work! That is made to look very easy! Will my WP 48mm Open Chamber Forks be similar?

[@DerekDevine1]

Great video!

[@ps6860]

Professional jobbb...u r the man...

[@ColKurtz-pi1ku]

Very great video, the best on fork

[@Ipoditouchreview3r]

Thanks i need to do mine, luckily a guy at work told me he would help me so thats good. Every one told me they suck except for him and now you and they dont look that bad.

[@grahammorris738]

Thanks for your help I have just done my kx250f awesome save me some money 👍

[@omarmtz32]

Bro I have to tell you!!!! Great vid!!!!!!!

[@chrisbarrable5132]

Very well done instructional video thanks. Do you need to fill the cartidge with oil separately or is that using the main fork tube oil after a while?

[@spiritsofmetal]

Excellent video - thank you. I would have struggled big time otherwise! One question: YZ250 has cupped backup washer behind seal. Which way up should it go? Lip to the top or bottom?

[@andreastwin]

you are the best I ever have. well done.

[@aalajljflakjlajflakjljfla9959]

awesome video

[@bugslinger6155]

Nice one, mate.

[@hardrider5905]

Thanks for that.

[@jbartziokas]

Could you do a video of someone changing fork seals on Cone Valve forks? I can't find a single video on the internet

[@spicymeatball07]

The master Yoda of fork rebuilders👏👍👏👍👏👍👏👍

[@circularpizzabox2134]

I used gas, ended up burning down my brothers house..Thanks for the video!

[@wizardmovers9309]

well done well explained thanks