Fork Seals and Suspension Work

A weeping fork seal is an MOT failure, and it is also a genuine safety problem, because fork oil finds its way onto the front brake disc. If you have spotted an oily ring creeping down one leg, get it booked in.

Fork seals done properly

Replacing a seal is straightforward. Replacing a seal so that it lasts is the bit that gets skipped. A new seal fitted to a pitted or corroded stanchion will weep again within months, so we inspect the stanchions first and tell you honestly what we find. If they need attention, you will know before we order parts.

While the forks are apart, the oil comes out. Fork oil degrades and the level is what actually controls how the last part of the travel behaves, so it goes back in measured rather than guessed.

The rest of the suspension

Rear shocks, linkage bearings and swingarm bearings. Linkage bearings in particular are routinely neglected, and on a bike that has done a few Essex winters they are often dry or rusted solid. A bike that feels vague at the back, or that has developed a clunk over bumps, is usually telling you about a bearing rather than a shock.

Head bearings too. If your bike wants to fall into corners or you can feel a notch dead ahead when you turn the bars at a standstill, that is a head bearing and it will be an MOT advisory before long.

Booking

Ring 01255 427851 or use the booking form. If the bike is not safe to ride in on a leaking fork, we will collect it.