2004, 650 GS fork seals

[neilb]

Hello All.

I have a 2004 f650gs and the folk seals seam to go (oil gets past) every 3000 to 5000 miles. It always happens on alternate sides so each seal lasts about 6000 to 10000 miles.
Is this normal or am i doing somthing wrong.
Also does it help if I change them as a pair.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and hopfully responed .

Neil.

 

[JJH]

Are u using the correct oil and volume of oil? Are the forks damaged pitted bent? Have you tried different make of seal? Are the stearing head bearings ok?The reason I ask the last queston is it might be down to rideing style wheelies ect. JJH

 

[neilb]

Hi JJH thanks for your reply.

They are BMW supplied seals that I have used, I am reasonably sure the forks are not bent but there is some very, very minor pitting. The oil quantities are as per the manual I am not sure of the type (Fork oil???).

I can only just about get the front wheel off the deck and don't try very often, and don't do a great deal of off road so I don't think it's down to that.

From your response I take it I am getting though them exessively.

 

[rc mad]

One thing to try is use a piece of film negative between the saeal and the stanchion to clean out any crap thats got in there.

Could also be the bushings on the way out, causing excessive play in the legs and damaging the seals. I'd strip the forks down completly and give everything a good clean, replace any o-rings and the bushings. While you've got the legs apart give the chrome a quick going over with some 2000 grit wet and dry - DO NOT sand in the long direction, instead go around the leg.

When did you last replace the dust seals? it's quite possible that the dust seals are shagged and that's allowing dust to get past and into the oil seal.

I'd also invest in a set of seal savers or something similar.

I had probelms with my yz front end on the dakar before i fitted the seal savers