I need to replace the fork seals on my Suzuki GS650. Do I need to replace any...

R

RoadyRider

New member
It's not as simple as just putting in new seals and calling it a day. If the seals are leaking, then chances are the oil is dirty. You don't mention how old the bike is, but if your disassembling the forks to replace the oils and seals, how about changing the springs while you're in there? Make sure you put the right amount of oil back in, every bike is different and there is a very specific amount required. If you've never done it before, you might want to get help form someone experienced the first time.
 
There will be an o-ring in the top screw in plug and either an o-ring or copper sealing washer for the drain screw in the bottom of each fork leg. In the bottom end there will be a nylon sealing washer for the fork leg bolt. Even though these may look good at disassembly, they really should be replaced at this time not only because its hassle factor times 100 to take it all apart again to do one small thing.
The other poster is correct: every bike has a very specific amount of fork oil to be measured out for each leg. Bel-Ray has been making great fork oil for years and years. The weight is model specific and should be exactly what came out of it unless there are certain performance upgrades elsewhere on the bike. -Don't over fill it and don't undercharge it......
During teardown, with all the parts out of the forks, wash the parts in naptha and blow them dry. Do not allow any dust or dirt to settle on the clean parts, then measure the springs. If they are shorter than factory spec they should be replaced. Doing a service on the forks on any bike is not quite as easy as they make it look on TV... Get some experienced help with this, use the proper tools and follow the factory service manual to the letter.
 
...parts other than the seals? Is it one of those repairs where you have to replace a bunch of different things or is it just the fork seals?
it is a 1982.
 
It's not as simple as just putting in new seals and calling it a day. If the seals are leaking, then chances are the oil is dirty. You don't mention how old the bike is, but if your disassembling the forks to replace the oils and seals, how about changing the springs while you're in there? Make sure you put the right amount of oil back in, every bike is different and there is a very specific amount required. If you've never done it before, you might want to get help form someone experienced the first time.
 
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