What's this mean?

Energy One

Bdawg12

Member
So my 08 k9 is leaving marks on the forks were my shocks move. My question is does this mean they need to be rebuilt? It doesn't leak any fluid by the way or does it just need new fluid? The fluid hasn't been changed has 19,xxx miles. Thanks for any help


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06K9

New Member
I bet there is dirt, oil and water under the fork seal covers. Take them off and clean them out. Good time to check for wear on your tubes where the seals ride.
 

Mr. Wright

Knows some things
Supporting Member
In the top part of the dust cover cone, there is an o-ring. What you have is dirt in that o-ring that is scratching your fork. The dust cover unscrews, or it's suppose to if it's not stuck. Unscrew it and clean out from under the cap with an air hose. Especially after you wash the bike, to keep this area clean.
 

pknowles

RETIRED
In the top part of the dust cover cone, there is an o-ring. What you have is dirt in that o-ring that is scratching your fork. The dust cover unscrews, or it's suppose to if it's not stuck. Unscrew it and clean out from under the cap with an air hose. Especially after you wash the bike, to keep this area clean.
If the scratching continues won't that start chewing up the seals?
 

Th3InfamousI

Administrator
Staff member
Can you just wipe those marks off or are they legit scratches? I get some marks from the dust seal I just wipe off it's not actually scratching

At 19,000 your copper bushings are likely worn even though your seals are still good.

It's prob time to rebuild them.

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Bdawg12

Member
I will try later to get the dust covers off to clean below them. Yes it wipes right off but comes back after I ride it. Thanks for the info guys

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woodbutcher

Mr. Old Fart member #145
Staff member
factory recommendation for rebuild is at 10k. i did at 8.5k and the teflon was gone on the bushings with the brass exposed. would strongly suggest a rebuild.
 

JeffM

Active Member
Rebuild time i'm afraid.
I wash my bike regularly, infact i am washing and polishing today after work (show tomorrow).
I cheat i fill the tops of my forks on top of the seal in the lower tubes with grease Marine grade lithium, this stops the circlip rusting out.
Occasionally i get a bit of grease up the fork tube after a long bumpy ride.
 

Bdawg12

Member
Well there was alot of dirt and water under them as u can see in pic....but the rubber gasket under them looked to be in good shape think I'm gonna rebuild them anyway


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liferider

Looking forward to retirement
I learned this yrs ago. Power washing bikes actually force dirt down into seals, break fluid reservoirs and contaminate. use streight water out of a hose and a car wash soap to clean. Never ever use dawn! Dawn actually does two things (1). Removes wax from paint (2). Once it gets in your wheel bearings and other grease friendly places it will break down the grease. Same thing if it gets down in your forks and mixes with fork oil it makes a nasty sludge!
 
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heybaylor

Active Member
I learned this yrs ago. Power washing bikes actually force dirt down into seals, break fluid reservoirs and contaminate use streight water out of a hose and a car wash soap to clean. Never ever use dawn! Dawn actually does two things (1). Removes wax from paint (2). Once it gets in your wheel bearings and other grease friendly places it will break down the grease. Same thing if it gets down in your forks and mixes with fork oil it makes a nasty sludge!
I have access to a buddies carwash( I/e free)
He always gives me a hard time about washing my bikes by hand.
btw a couple of them are over 25 years old, and still in great shape
 

Dano17

Member
Quick question, how did you get the chrome housing to twist off, did you use so sort of tool, I can't get mine to loosen up by hand, thanks
 
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