[Rohnsman]

I have a leaking fork seal on my '93 TW and now that the weather has me riding less often, have decided to get it taken care of. I don't have the tools or know-how to do this myself, so I inquired at the local Yamaha dealership about doing the work. I had them quote seal replacement for both forks (figure if I only do the one the other will go soon) and also new fork boots as the ones I have are shot. The estimate was $225.00 This seems a bit steep to me (and putting that in a bike that only cost me $1,400 total hurts even more.) Do you think this estimate is excessive? Any other thoughts about how to get this job done "on the cheap."

 

[Mexicant]

That sounds kinda high to me, but I'm cheap. I recently replaced the fork seals on one of the streetbikes in the stable. Total cost was about $40 for the fork seals and fork oil. It took me about an hour to do, maybe less and that was taking fairings off and more involved than the TW would be. Check these links and get an idea of what's involved, you may want to tackle it yourself and keep some money in your pocket.

http://www.motorcycle.com/how-to/how-to-replace-fork-seals-3442.html



http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/tech/replace_fork_seals/index.html



http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/howto/replace_fork_seals/index.html

 

[shadow]

We need to get together as mine need swapped to if we can find someone who knows how. I had a set done on my Ducati for $125 labor at Big Twin but I pulled the forks off the bike first. Was your quote with the bike or just the forks?

 

[imnxnyr]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y43k1qFVGW4



This link gives a basic understanding to fork seal replacement if you're gonna do it yourself.

there is a part 2 for this also.

 

[dalsco]

Its the new boots they run about 50 bucks a piece!!!

 

[dalsco]

plus about 15 bucks per seal and about 20 for oil= 50 for parts plus the 100 for boots and 75 for an hour of labor there is your $225..... sorry its right as rediculous as it seems. do it your self and save the 75 dollars of labor or forget the boots and save the 100 bucks and have them do it......

 

[qwerty]

plus about 15 bucks per seal and about 20 for oil= 50 for parts plus the 100 for boots and 75 for an hour of labor there is your $225..... sorry its right as rediculous as it seems. do it your self and save the 75 dollars of labor or forget the boots and save the 100 bucks and have them do it......

Or use aftermarket parts instead of OEM, do it yourself, and save $175.

 

[Rohnsman]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y43k1qFVGW4



This link gives a basic understanding to fork seal replacement if you're gonna do it yourself.

there is a part 2 for this also.

Thanks for the video. It's enough to tell me I don't want to do this myself!

 

[brownie2]

The boots are the big money item.

I just changed fork seals for the first time ever. It was actually pretty easy. A forum member here gave me the hint to use a big metric bolt welded to a small pipe to hold the inside so the allen bolt could be removed.

I also changed the metal slides (something I wouldn't do again unless the copper is showing like an engine bearing). I ended up cutting them out with a dremel since the local shop failed to remove them for me and they had the proper puller.

 

[Mexicant]

Are the fork boots that expensive?! I saw these listed, maybe it's the wrong ones?



http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p...bCatId=13&prodFamilyId=26018&allVehParts=true

 

[Rohnsman]

Are the fork boots that expensive?! I saw these listed, maybe it's the wrong ones?



http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p...bCatId=13&prodFamilyId=26018&allVehParts=true

No way I'll pay for OEM boots when aftermarket parts like this will do just fine. It's painful to put $200+ into a bike that only cost me $1,400, but I'm thinking I really can't keep riding with the fork leaking like it is. I'm dreading the day when I need some serious engine work!

 

[qwerty]

I found universal boots that fit for something like $12/pair, but I had to provide UV resistant zip ties to hold them on. They have already lasted longer than the OEM boots and are still in perfect condition. I think they are Daystar brand. Parts Unlimited fork seals go for about $7.50/pair. A piece of allthread with double nuts and blue LocTite will work to disassemble the forks. Pages 6-11 to 6-18 of the main service manual are step-by-step instructions how to rebuild your forks. If you can read and follow directions you can put new seals and fresh fluid in your forks and save $200.

 

[admiral]

Truelight,



If you are not in a big hurry, say January time frame, if you get the parts, (boots, seals, etc), I can do the work for you...free! But you gotta let me work on it alone...so I can cuss when things are not going as planned and so no one can hear me! ha ha. No really! I have done fork seal replacements on other bikes I've owned in the past and feel reasonably confident I can do it for you...free! If transportation is an issue, I can pickup and drop off theTW...free! No strings attached.



Let me know.

 

[Rohnsman]

Truelight,



If you are not in a big hurry, say January time frame, if you get the parts, (boots, seals, etc), I can do the work for you...free! But you gotta let me work on it alone...so I can cuss when things are not going as planned and so no one can hear me! ha ha. No really! I have done fork seal replacements on other bikes I've owned in the past and feel reasonably confident I can do it for you...free! If transportation is an issue, I can pickup and drop off theTW...free! No strings attached.



Let me know.

Wow, that sounds like an offer I can't refuse!

I'm in no big hurry as I don't expect to be riding as often these next few months and January would be a great time for something like this. You will need to tell me what parts you need so I can get them and then when you want the bike. I should be able to bring the bike to your place, especially with this much advance notice. Heck... the savings alone would buy me a good receiver carrier! Write me a private message if we need to discuss this further. Thanks!!



BTW - I spotted this thread which gives some "how to" tips as well as has a parts list. The only thing that gives me pause is the mention of a "special tool."

 

[dalsco]

Or use aftermarket parts instead of OEM, do it yourself, and save $175.

Very Very true!