Fork noise and seal leak

Hi all,

I've noticed when I bounce aggressively on the front end the forks make a clank clank noise, just about at the end of the travel.
It sounds like the spring hitting the inner wall, has anyone noticed similar?

and the other problem is leaking fork seals, nothing uncommon but the forks had been stripped and cleaned ( right mess inside )
and new seals used from pyramid that seemed to be good quality. The forks leaked from day one, but thought the seals would seal after a bit of use. The strange thing is that both leak exactly the same amount and there are no visible scratches, well you have to look very close to see tiny marks, nothing really. I've used 15w oil which I think is medium, and the amount according to the manual.
I've just bought another set of seals with a double lip, hoping this would make a difference, any advise on this?

cheers Pete,

Hello Pete:

Here are some suggestions.

1: Use a cotton ball and see if any nicks catch the cotton on the fork. This should catch any subtle damage or nicks in the chrome. Is there any broad discoloration on the chrome indicating a wide wear area?

2: For noise issues, are all of the parts installed per the manual and parts breakdown? Are the bronze bushings indicating any abnormal wear? When the forks are apart, can you detect any abnormal marks on the I.D. of the lower fork leg?

3: Measure the "fork spring free length" per the manual. You may have a set of worn springs.

4:Try locating NOS factory seals. Or a different fork seal. Any damage in the seal well on the lower fork leg?

Hope this helps.

T.

I have had some experience with those pyramid seals and their bearings. To call then 3rd rate would be singing their praises to the world. I hit a large pothole while going slowly on my K1100 BMW and turned one of those seals inside out and the bearings were nochy after 100000km.
VERY poor quality.
Solution Get some OEM seals.

Is the CLANKING noise not your steering head bearings ?

Pete F

Hi thanks for all your replys ,

To the best of my knowledge the forks have been re assembled correctly but will make sure when I do the job again. I think the springs were slightly under length when I measured them.
I'm almost certain that the noise is not the head bearing which are new anyway.
I've bought as mentioned, new seals with a double sealing lip from All Balls
(strange name ) maybe I should have gone for the original ones but I've got these now.

Three questions,
does anyone bother adding air to the forks, I think it's very low pressure.

What weight oil is best, I've used 15w and the forks seemed to have a secondary bounce, bit like an old chevy.

And would anyone recommend progressive springs if so what make?

cheers Pete,

Hi Pete

I use 15w oil in my forks as I found 10w to be a bit light and I add air to 10psi.

cheers