Fork question..

[voneville]

My 78 keeps blowing fork seals. I haven't rebuilt them myself, my step-dad did, so I don't know what the sliders look like. But is this a pretty common problem for the showa's? I'm working on getting a new front end, but I was going to attempt to rebuild them again in the mean time. I'm also thinking about putting fork gaitors on to help keep the dirt and dust out. Anyone know where to get gaitors that fit 35 mm forks?

-derek

[bigdogbark]

My 78 keeps blowing fork seals. I haven't rebuilt them myself, my step-dad did, so I don't know what the sliders look like. But is this a pretty common problem for the showa's? I'm working on getting a new front end, but I was going to attempt to rebuild them again in the mean time. I'm also thinking about putting fork gaitors on to help keep the dirt and dust out. Anyone know where to get gaitors that fit 35 mm forks?

-derek

You might have some luck finding it at you local Honda shop.

[72 Ironhead XLH]

Check the vent caps at the top of the tube.

[HrdlyDangrs]

1) Seal....Its possible you have the wrong seals or the seals themselves are old stock and dried out. Also possible that they were nicked when installed. Another possibility is that you have to much fork oil in the bottom sliders.

2) Fork Gaitors.....Go to your local Truck & Hot Rod shop and get a set of Trailmaster shock boots.....they're made to be used on the trucks shocks.
They come in several colors and cost about $9.00 for a pair. They will fit perfectly on your front fork....course you'll have to dissassemble the front forks to get them on..which your going to do anyway when you install new seals.

Here's a close-up pic of my 74 XLCH with them on. My forks are 2-1/2" shorter then stock...so the boots are a little more squished then they will be on your stock length forks. :smoke