Fork legs leaking oil

[Bob Jeffries]

I've got oil "gushing" out of the right hand fork leg of my '00 1150GS. I know it doesn't effect the suspension, and it's not too urgent - rode 180 miles yesterday with a very "spirited" 60 miles home with no problems. I'll fit a set of seals & scrapers etc in both legs but can anyone advise me what oil is best. My manual says .47L oil but doesn't say what grade to use, just BMW fork oil. And what does BMW mean by "bleed" the forks.

Also as a very tentative inquiry, how much can you get an Ohlin front shock for? I feel my front shock is on the way out but I think I'll have to earn more brownie points before I can persuade my wife that an Ohlin is a suitable Christmas present - for her!

 

[THE PICT]

Im not 100% sure but I think BMW use 10w oil in the forks although I dont see that it would matter that much as they are just sliders.But I could be wrong.

 

[Simon Eassom]

Also as a very tentative inquiry, how much can you get an Ohlin front shock for?

About £315 plus VAT (so, nearly £375), but you really want front AND back. I'd be very surprised that your front's "on the way out" but not the back. Have you checked the pre-load setting?

 

[Lord Snooty]

Me too Bob

Bob,

The l/h seal on my 2000 1150GS is also leaking. As you say it is not urgent and I will do the job over the winter...problem is I've never done this before and I would appreciate some help and advice as I presume you have to drop the forks out.

Maybe we could do the job together (I would come to you) as long as you're within a reasonable distance to me. I am of course assuming that you are more mechanically competent than me which is not too difficult!!!! In fact I wouldn't mind betting that Bakerman is only less able than me!

Thanks

 

[Iain Hogg]

For forks sake!

Did any of you guys replace the fork seals?

I've just noticed both of mine pumping oil out and after reading both Haynes and Clymer was about to consider paying to have it done!

However, after a glass or two of merlot and a look at the bike, I reckon that it's not necessary to remove the forks completely but simply disconnect at the bar end.

With both disconnected, they should lift right out. At worst I may have to remove the side panels for extra access but nowhere near as much as removing the entire fork leg!

Anyone have any experience of this?

I'll pick up new seals tomorrow, but after realising that they do not do anything for tha actual suspension, may not rush to replace them immediately.

Iain

 

[Vern]

Snooty, any time you want to pop down. I've done them on mine loads of times, just keep taking big bits off untill you're left with the bit you want.
Bleeding the forks is through an M3 screw at the top of each fork leg, I have ended up using 10w oil, hardly makes any difference (sure I'm going to change it as soon as I've put it all back together)
It's easier to take the fork legs out to do the job properly, trust me on that one.
Have fun

 

[Iain Hogg]

Cheers Vern, took your advice and removed the legs completely.

I hadn't realised the seals were located so well in the legs!

Only slight problem was when the manual said "unscrew the two retaining bolts and withdraw the ABS sensor" - that *&%$ing sensor decided it was part of the casting and was a bu**er to shift!

Parts now spread all over the garage waiting for re-assembly while I decide what to do about the cr@p finish on the fork legs. Don't BMW have any paint that sticks to aluminium?

Anyone got any experience with Hammerite spray? Will it stick?

Iain