How to Save a Fork Seal - 3 Simple Steps to Fix Leaky Dirt Bike Forks!!

Save time and money!! In this video you learn how to quickly and easily fix leaky fork seals on a dirt bike from suspension expert Doc, owner of 812 Suspension Design in Austin, Tx.
We've all been there, we get to the track and realize our dirt bike forks are leaking all over the place. Well don't let it ruin your riding day! With a little knowledge and a few spare minutes, you can save your fork seals and get back out on the track where you belong!
We teach you to save your fork seals in 3 simple steps:
1) Prepping the bike
2) Pulling down the dust seal
3) Cleaning under the fork seal
Let us know if this video helped to save your fork seals in the comments below!
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Disclaimer:
Motorcycle riding is inherently dangerous. This video was filmed on a closed course with a professional rider with years of riding and teaching experience. The Mx Factory and all related personnel are not to be held responsible for any injury resulting from attempting these techniques. The bottom line is wear safety gear, take it slow, have fun, and consult a riding coach when necessary. The bottom bottom line, DON'T BE DUMB.

[@Papparratzi]

Did a 350 mile ride. Within the first 30 miles our group of 50 over 40 experienced fork seal leakage. Rode thru a riverbed for 5 miles. Later the sand mixture dried and turned into something similar to cement slurry on the lower legs. It wasn’t until we hit hard terrain that the forks compressed down to the sand coated lower legs and pushed sand into the seals. My left boot and brake assembly was covered in fork oil. Overnight about 3 tablespoons dripped to the floor. I decided to give technique shown in the video a try. I only used the first tool and instantly saw that it dragged gunk out. Repeated the cleaning a few times and it’s not leaking. Big thumbs up, thanks

[@nielskiekebosch]

Yo mate i was so pissed that my fork was leaking this fixed it it looks like you really made my day man keep going

[@MrMuzza72]

good vid tutorial ! I use the Rhino and it works great, small investment in tool and time but pays for itself in the long run

[@morganp7238]

Good upload. Thanks guys.

[@turbowillis5050]

You guys are going to be big youtubers one day!

[@GuzziHeroV50]

Awesome video and info guys! I just had lighter oil put in a set of forks because they were too stiff, and bang both are weeping. I'm hoping my Rhino and your advice will sort me out.

[@Ernbern124]

Thank you for this video. Really appreciate it!

[@enricosv-logtagebuchaustra7615]

Nice I'll give that a shot today!

[@MrAmjedkhan]

nice infoemation may you live long

[@aaronjones6527]

I have never seen a dust seal come out this easy

[@NCER999]

My immediate thought! I usually slip a few times, scratch the chrome and then it pops out easily 😂

[@tandccreations6383]

@@NCER999use a small screwdriver like pick it works really well the end is like a pick just looks like a flathead screwdriver instead of a point/pick

[@tandccreations6383]

⁠use a small screwdriver like pick it works really well the end is like a pick just looks like a flathead screwdriver instead of a point/pick

[@philipplank507]

This video came literally at the perfect time. My fork seals just started leaking👍👍👍👍👍

[@philipplank507]

Wow! now I went and fixed my fork seals but I didn't even buy any tools. Just made my own out of an old oil jug it worked fine . Good luck everybody

[@TheMxFactory]

#innovative 👍🏻

[@sickvidsfosho]

Could i ise this same concept to fix my GT Zaskaar 29" bicycle fork? I rode it during winter and some snow got stuck and froze and loosened up the zeal. Not sure if it’s broken but figured it might be worth a try.

[@UNYcross]

Docs shop is still the sickest home shop I've ever seen.

[@RamboLaBuche]

thanks!!

[@financeaccount1518]

Does this apply to sache suspension on the beta 125rr 2018? Thanks

[@fish-wascott4493]

What does it mean if it doesn't "gently weep" but instead dumps ~3oz in a single turn of the rhino?

[@mroleg904]

Hey from Russia!

[@hyposez1129]

Do you have to put the tool between the little spring or the seal? Like if i put my tool between the seal, a lot of oil started coming out, i was scared that i put it in wrong or something.

[@IGVlogs-co9so]

I love you guys

[@TheMxFactory]

+I.G. Vlogs We love you too 👍🏻

[@andyhoms2001]

I found out that bleeding off the pressure is usually the best solution. But also cleaning the seals out. I just don't see any videos or mentions of this. I figured it out years ago. I was cleaning the seals with the Seal Mate. And oil was spraying out. I was like "what the eff is this!?!" But it was pressure from riding that built up. Just need to bleed after a hard ride. Or on the regular, for that matter. Also, I never had anyone to teach me anything. So I have always figured it all out on my own. Learn as you go.

[@tannawaterson783]

Hey mate, this is the first I’ve read on this and am still knew to bikes myself. What and how is bleeding the forks? Is it something I should be doing?

[@Fortunefellas]

Can I do this with bike not on jack and pressure on the seals?

[@cyberBIGGT]

Great vid guys! Is it necessary to use both the seal doctor and seal mate? Could I use just one of them?

[@LuckyNikitaBoba]

What about the fluids that were lost?

[@dustyweasel41]

Thanks. Guess what I’m doing today in quarantine? My 1190r leaks on both sides.

[@chud2070]

Glad to see I’m not the only one who’s can of suspension clean leaks like a sieve. Lol why don’t they fix that?

[@petergoudy9013]

So simple. So good but I think you gotta blow a fork seal or two to fully appreciate this wisdom.

[@rongibson9702]

I thought the same. Over the years I've had some truly bad seals and they poured, not weeped or trickled. I have one side of a 08 GSXR600 just barely weeping and a shop tried to dupe me into a complete fork seal job of course. I called BS on that as I know what they leak like when they need a total rebuild and are soaking front brake pad. So I will be giving this a try soon.

[@petergoudy9013]

@@rongibson9702 It sucks because you know the leaking isn't going to lessen. I just ordered a similar KTM tool for my 390 Duke with no issues. Changing seals on the 390 would be a big pain in the butt, but man - just thinking about changing seals on your GSX gives me anxiety! ~Ride Safe

[@rongibson9702]

@@petergoudy9013 - Yep. I would pull the tubes and send them off before I'd give some jackleg mechanic $800 and gawd knows WTF they'd do like manage to warp or bend the tubes. Mechanics, including dealer mechanics have done more damage to my bikes over the years than I ever have. Next time I put it in a shop I will take multiple pictures of the bike first. Its hard to believe a so called "factory trained" mechanic did more damage to my bike than I did in 13 years.

[@hawaiielite]

Where can I get that first orange tool from?

[@TheRogerKyle]

Can the seal mate be used with the forks still on the bike?

[@johnguilbert1349]

My WR250R is leaking some oil. it is only a 2017 with about 1100 miles, all offroad. I suspect this cleaning procedure will get it fixed. Do you have any advice on replacing any oil that may have leaked out?

[@TheMxFactory]

There’s no real way to tell how much oil is still in the fork besides having them taken apart and serviced. You’ve likely lost much less than you think if it’s just a small leak. That said, you can replace oil with a syringe and taking fork cap off. But I don’t suggest that as you won’t be able to tell how much has been lost. - Jason

[@IGVlogs-co9so]

You help me fix my bike and learn new stuff

[@imch3449]

I stored my Kawasaki 1700 in the shed for a month due to severe weather. When I took the motorcycle out I noticed fluid coming down the fork down to the brake caliper down to the tire. I don’t ride my cruiser hard. Will changes in temperatures make them leak?

[@TheMxFactory]

It sure can, especially with cold and hot weather changes. The rubber seals can contract and expand eventually causing a leak. Or just excessive sitting of a motorcycle can cause pressure to build up in the suspension causing them to leak. It’s best to store your bike on a stand or jack of some kind to lift your tires in the air, even just an inch to take the pressure off the forks and shock.

[@ozbulitsinces1996]

Do you need to top up the fork after?

[@dirtbikeray]

Why do you have to use both the seal mate and rhino?

[@hyposez1129]

You can only use one if you want. In this video they said if the fork is off the bike you can use seal mate, and rhino when the fork is installed to the bike.

[@Eurepakiri]

Does this apply to KYB suspensions as well? Coz mine started leaking on me yz250

[@TheMxFactory]

Yes.

[@dylangoldstein4359]

It apply to all suspension on race bikes!

[@micdonkey]

So after doing this, should you have trace oil ring around fork? Or should it be completely dry? I'm talking immediately after and bouncing on suspension

[@Notdeon28]

I did this and I have a trace of oil around the fork I think it should be fine

[@iTZxFuZe]

I’m in same boat, have you been for a ride since ?

[@frankb.3556]

Great video. Thanks. Came back from trail riding yesterday and both forks leaking fluid. Can this be done with forks on the bike? Where can purchase the Rhino tool? Thanks.

[@TonyMontana-jg2gu]

I changed my fork seals sometime last year but my bike been sitting in storage ever since and they are leaking now. What should I do?

[@TheMxFactory]

Maybe just try pulling the dust seals down and cleaning them. Maybe before you put the bike away some dirt got lodged up in there. Good luck!

[@kyanakyana3340]

سلام برادر گرامی، ممنون بابت فیلم های آموزشی تان، ... کمک موتور من روغن میداد، با دیدن این فیلم شما ولی خب وسایل نداشتم، خودم از شيشه نوشابه یه قطعه و ب شکل ابزار شما استفاده میکنید بریدم و استفاده کردم، روغن ریزی کمک موتور من قطع شد، با تشکر فراوان

[@lombardozarateiii6920]

Im going be like u guys one day

[@nataala_]

You are more than half-way there with that outlook my friend.

[@HoboHiney]

Why not invent an additional cover in front of the dust cap? That way, it limits the grit entering the dust cap and keeps the fork seal truly clean?

[@rorpnh4519]

0:25 ❤

[@senditboys8711]

Did this earlier today and ended up pushing up with the rhino too hard and bent that inner piece

[@paekeajiab4743]

I have changed fork seal and it is leaking a little again... Why??

[@reeggiee]

Does this work on regular forks? Or just on upside-down forks?

[@michaelpresey2273]

What do mean by regular forks ?

[@excitedwhale]

I get a lot more oil pouring out when I stick the seal saver tool in there. Any idea why that is?

[@shauncry1917]

Same please let me know if u find answers

[@jeffloucks2120]

Because you've created more of a gap between the oil seal and fork tube allowing it to get past the seal more easily.

[@PeanutButteR1elly]

feeler gauges also work :)

[@aidanvelthuis1267]

Be careful with them, can scratch fork or rip seal

[@SpaceRanger187]

An air hose would also help..

[@petermccann2561]

no grease?

[@jacobschwienebart5469]

What you guys think about sealsavers ?Or are they a big wast of money ?

[@TheMxFactory]

+Jacob Schwienebart The issue we see with seal savers is as much as they keep dirt out of the fork seal area, they can also can trap it in. So you have to make sure to clean your seal savers often, pretty much every ride. We don't want to knock them because in certain scenarios they likely do help save seals. But we don't use them.

[@jacobschwienebart5469]

The Mx Factory ok thanks 👍🏻

[@philipplank507]

Jacob Schwienebart if you got money and time to get one get it but I just made my own out of an old oil jug it works fine

[@Katykat7777777]

This bike was really easy to assemble kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA and required very few adjustments out of the box. The wheels did not require any truing/adjustments. The frame had some small scratches, but nothing major.I did replace the seat though - the seat it came with was very uncomfortable. The tires need to be re-inflated every 4-5 days, but this appears to be quite common for the narrow 700x25 tires.Overall, in my opinion, this bike looks and rides like a much more expensive bike.

[@dirtmachines4253]

I swear the dust seal is so hard to pop out

[@sagy89]

cb i use wd40 to clean??

[@sparky4774]

I'm wondering the same thing, have been looking at some WD40 silicone based spray for protecting/ cleaning rubber and plastic. Still waiting for an answer, but u think that stuff should be okay 👌 I'm pretty sure that the original WD40 would compromise the seals.

[@zzxx33mh]

OMG..how simple its. But do need to add oil..?!

[@TheMxFactory]

+SoloRide ZX No, unless you've had severe leaking out of your fork seals. But if that's the case, you should get your forks serviced and replace the seals entirely. Usually with just a leaky seal the oil loss is minuscule and it's not necessary to add.

[@moskito5864]

My forkseals are fine since 50.000km on my CRF just cleaned them 3 times in the past 3 years, using a selfmade SealMate made from a 2L milk jug, working fine. The Orange part you are using here i never see before, looks intresting. If you take care imidiately and clean the old shit out when your seal is leaking by using a sealmate or a selfmade one you should be fine for a long time. nice vid but learn how to handle a spraycan pls... I never used one of this things anyways, paper towels or tissue paper will do, or just some spray alcohol

[@Xxnocent1xx]

Can this only be done on dirt bikes? Because that's all I'm seeing in these videos.

[@sodastunts2820]

Brianna Jackson This channel is dedicated to MX. That’s why it’s called the MX Factory. Anybody could figure out that due to this it’s going to be based on dirt bikes 😂

[@Xxnocent1xx]

Mayport you’re hilarious. Is that what you were looking for? I obviously watched other videos. On other channels. They were all dirt bikes. Thanks genius.

[@oktayoktem]

🙏🥰🙋‍♂️

[@jayppop3333]

Pressure wash inside lol

[@BeijingOffRoadAdventures]

haha, just a little rinse

[@IGVlogs-co9so]

1

[@nelmartinez317_hn2]

I.G. Vlogs awesome i will do it

[@kendawg44]

my damn spring came off :\

[@Shadow0fd3ath24]

i bet there have been so many millions of fork seals wasted(on road and off road) from a tiny bit of debris in them lol

[@subienate]

how do you make this not look sexual jk haha

[@BassickS77]

What’s the success rate on this lol

[@tonykartracer8032]

Isn't this just a temporary fix?

[@TheMxFactory]

Yes it is

[@Fuck_Tarentum_Boro]

No. Seal can be "stuck open" from dirt/debris. If the seal isnt physically damaged, cleaning it should make it leak free.

[@kryptojunkie994]

You might save a few bucks with this method but for what it's worth ( if you value your time ) just buy new seals if there leaking.

[@jayryan7473]

Or you can take advice from people who have actual experience on the subject. You should stick to crypto topics, not one involving mechanics.

[@kryptojunkie994]

Yikes. Your cringy bro. Assuming things about people you don't know makes you look dumb. I own 3 bikes and wrench on all of them. When I buy bikes to flip one of the things I look for is bad seals. I'm all for saving money but for what it's worth I just replace them. I have to replace the seals on my 01 F4i once a year because I ride that bike hard. Change the seals on my 2019 yz250 probably twice a year. The other bike is a cruiser so the seals last alot longer. And my 5k investment in crypto back in 2017 bought me my 3 bikes + down payment on my house. All profit baby. Way to make yourself look like a chump 🤣. Check your ego before you get wrecked bud. I am a subscriber to the channel I just don't agree with all the work to save $30. I'd rather replace the seals, grease the axel and check the brakes all at once. Called preventive maintenance. This video is for people on a budget which clearly your pinching pennies if your trying to save $30 seals. Better luck next time 🤣

[@kirbylee57]

Isn't the word "fulcrum" a noun? Wouldnt more viewers understand what you're saying better if you used the word "pry"? Can you save a seal that is worn nearly out?

[@deppipesdavey5471]

pointless just replace your fork seals when they are worn.you will have to do this clean after every ride to be effective,wear a face mask when using spray cans or use in a well ventilated area.