How To Replace Fork Seals: 8 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Replace Fork Seals PDF download Download Article A step-by-step guide to fork seals and motorcycle maintenance Explore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Video Questions & Answers Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles Expert Interview References Article Summary Co-authored by Jay Goninen

Last Updated: May 8, 2025

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This article was co-authored by Jay Goninen. Jay Goninen is an Automotive Expert and the Co-Founder and President of WrenchWay. Jay started working in his family's repair shop when he was nine and has been deeply passionate about the industry since then. He has experience as a technician and is currently a Board Member for both the Diesel Technology Program at Madison Area Technical College and the Community Alliance for the Skilled Trades. This article has been viewed 306,473 times.

The fork of a motorcycle connects the main frame to the front wheel and axle. The fork is what allows riders to change direction and also helps in braking and suspension. The fork itself consists of two tubes. Each tube requires a seal to keep the oil of the interior of the tube from leaking out. Fork seals should be replaced as soon as leaking oil is noticed. If the seal is left unchanged, the oil could leak onto the brake pads and ruin your motorcycle or you could run out of oil completely and ruin your motorcycle. Use these steps to replace your fork seals.

Changing Fork Seals on a Motorcycle: Quick Steps

  1. Put your bike in gear and raise the front wheel to access the for seal.
  2. Loosen all the bolts to disassemble and remove the fork.
  3. Wipe the fork clean with a cloth daybed in oil.
  4. Slide the new seal into place.
  5. Reassemble the fork and reinstall on the motorcycle.

Steps

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  1. Step 1 Prepare the motorcycle for maintenance. 1 Prepare the motorcycle for maintenance.[1]
    • Loosen the 2 bolts that secure the fork legs to the frame and the caps upon each leg. Then loosen the brake caliper bolts and the whole front axle of the bike.
    • Put the bike in gear and chock the rear wheel.
    • Raise the front wheel off the ground as far as needed.
    • Remove the brake calipers, fender, front wheel and any other hanging cables.
  2. Step 2 Disassemble the fork. 2 Disassemble the fork.[2]
    • Loosen the bolts further and pull downward on the fork while twisting.
    • Remove the fork cap carefully. Because it is spring loaded, be careful not to stand in the way of the cap as you remove it.
    • Take out the spring and let the oil drain into a bucket
    • Free the damper rod by inserting a tool into the cavity to reach it.
    • Memorize the assembly of the fork's springs, washers and spacers for easy re-installation later.
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  3. Step 3 Remove the old seal. 3 Remove the old seal.[3]
    • Wedge the dust seal from the fork leg.
    • Find the fork seal itself. It is held into place by a clip within a groove.
    • Pry the seal out carefully.
    • Flush the area as you go to remove debris within the fork.
    • Take the tube in 1 hand and the stanchion in the other. Use muscle to pull the 2 apart. You will see the seal coming out of hiding as you do this.
  4. Step 4 Prepare the fork for a new seal. 4 Prepare the fork for a new seal.
    • Remove all rust and repair imperfections that led to the old seal's leakage.
    • Soak a cloth with oil and work on the area where the seal rested.
  5. Step 5 Install the new seal. 5 Install the new seal.[4]
    • Rub oil on the inner part of the new seal.
    • Put the seal over the stanchion and slide it down into place.
    • Set the seal with a seal driver. This will tap the seal into place gently but firmly.
  6. Step 6 Put the fork back together. 6 Put the fork back together.
    • Situate the clip and dust seal back onto the fork. Place the damping rod back inside.
    • Pour new oil into the fork, measuring the height as necessary.
    • Re-install the spring and screw on the fork cap. Tighten the bolts.
  7. Step 7 Repeat the process on the other fork leg. 7 Repeat the process on the other fork leg.
  8. Step 8 Reassemble your motorcycle's front end. 8 Reassemble your motorcycle's front end.
    9. Advertisement

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Community Q&A

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  • Question How much oil goes in the front fork? Community Answer Community Answer It varies from bike to bike. Check your owner's or service manual for specific measurements. It is usually around 500 ml per fork. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 22
  • Question When the article says repeat the process on the other leg does it mean the ones at the back or the one at the front on the other side? Community Answer Community Answer The one on the other side, since there are two forks at the front of each motorcycle. The rear suspension is usually a spring, not a fork. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 12
  • Question Is it necessary to replace both fork seals if only one starts leaking? Community Answer Community Answer No, but it's probably worth it so you don't have to disassemble the front end again in case the second starts leaking. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 17
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • Replace both seals at the same time regardless if only one needs to be replaced. This keeps the seals similarly aged. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 1
  • Using a front-end lift is the safest way to raise your motorcycle for maintenance. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 2
  • Instead of using physical force to separate the inner tube from the fork to remove the seal, you can fill the tube full of oil and add pressure to burst the seal out. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 7
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Motorcycle
  • Sockets
  • Ratchets
  • Fork oil
  • Wrenches
  • Floor jack or lift
  • Oil container or bucket
  • Seal drivers
  • Rags
  • New seals

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about car maintenance and repair, check out our in-depth interview with Jay Goninen.

References

  1. ↑ https://www.motorcycle.com/how-to/how-to-replace-fork-seals-3442.html
  2. ↑ https://www.motorcycle.com/how-to/how-to-replace-fork-seals-3442.html
  3. ↑ https://www.motomatter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/how-to-replace-regular-fork-seals-2.jpg
  4. ↑ https://www.motomatter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/how-to-replace-regular-fork-seals-2.jpg
  5. http://www.motorcycle.com/how-to/how-to-replace-fork-seals-3442.html

About This Article

Jay Goninen Co-authored by: Jay Goninen Automotive Expert This article was co-authored by Jay Goninen. Jay Goninen is an Automotive Expert and the Co-Founder and President of WrenchWay. Jay started working in his family's repair shop when he was nine and has been deeply passionate about the industry since then. He has experience as a technician and is currently a Board Member for both the Diesel Technology Program at Madison Area Technical College and the Community Alliance for the Skilled Trades. This article has been viewed 306,473 times. 24 votes - 95% Co-authors: 11 Updated: May 8, 2025 Views: 306,473 Categories: Motorcycle Servicing and Repairs Article SummaryX

To replace fork seals, start by loosening the 2 bolts securing the fork legs to the frame and the fork leg caps. Next, loosen the brake caliper bolts and front axle before putting the bike in gear and chocking the rear wheel. Then, raise the front wheel and remove the brake calipers, fender, front wheel, and other hanging cables. Disassemble the fork and remove the old fork seal. To prepare the fork for the new seal, rub away all rust and imperfections with an oil-soaked cloth. Then, put the new seal over the stanchion and tap the seal down with a seal driver. Reassemble the fork by replacing the damping rod inside the fork, and putting the clip and dust seal back on the fork. Pour new oil into the fork, reinstall the spring and screw on the fork cap, and tighten the bolts. Repeat disassembling and reassembling the fork on the second fork leg. Then, reassemble your motorcycle’s front end and hit the road! For more detailed information on how to replace fork seals, see below. Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Jay Goninen Co-authored by: Jay Goninen Automotive Expert Co-authors: 11 Updated: May 8, 2025 Views: 306,473 95% of readers found this article helpful. 24 votes - 95% Click a star to add your vote

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