ranchomice

So my bike has been sitting for about 2 weeks. I look near the front tire only to notice a small puddle. There is fluid on the lines but none above the splitter. I haven't taken a good look yet, but I thought I would throw this out there to see if there is a trouble spot that randomly starts leaking. Strange things is, it hasen't even been ridden in some time.

Thumper

That would be really odd, you sure it is not fork seals leaking

orangezuk

You might find that fluid could be weaping from the crimps (fittings-hose). That is a stress area on any brake hose even more so a hose with some age to it. Brake fluid tends to wick also, kinda moves in way you wouldn't think.

Funny thing is I just put new brake lines on my hawk. Call me the lucky one who's the fab-tech/sales rep. for Pirtek Midway St. Paul, MN. and we have a DOT brake hose machine. Made nice new SS lines for the bike in OE configuration (no dubble banjo).
Let me know if you need somethin Rancho. I'll be putting up some info on the rebuild of my bike as well as the brake/clutch lines.

PUSHrod

So. . .did you stick your finger in it and sniff? Do a rub test?

I figured out that what I was looking at wasn't fluid from the bike's internals, but wash residue that dripped when I moved it from the swing arm stand to the side stand.

No, I didn't taste it. That test is reserved for other hobbies.

VTRsurfer

Wash it off and dry it. Then, after making sure your master cylinder is topped off, pump the lever and hold it several times. If it has a leak big enough to create a puddle, that should show you where it is.

ranchomice

It's fork oil

8541Hawk

That is easy enough to fix.....

ranchomice

It is? Do you mean...for you it's easy to fix, or it's something anyone could do without removing a lot?

8541Hawk

Got to pull the front end of and it is easier if you have a seal driver but other stuff can be used instead.....

Or pick up seals and fork fluid and come on by.

ranchomice

I think I'm going to do springs and possibly valves if it requires removal. Should I not ride it until it's done? Maybe a trip to the bay area with parts is in order!

8541Hawk

All depends on how bad the leak is. You do run the chance of getting it on the brake pads, which would be a bad thing.

ranchomice

Well, if it left a puddle next to the wheel just sitting in the garage, I imagine it would leak worse with pressure on the forks...ya think!?

8541Hawk

It sounds like it is leaking pretty bad. The first thing to do is either get a piece of 35mm film (yeah I know it's not easy to find anymore) or buy a product called a seal saver. The dirty bike guys use them.

What you do is insert it between the seal and the fork tube and run it around which will remove any dirt which may be trapped in there that can cause a leak.

Also while you are doing that check the fork tube itself for and deep scratches or grooves.

Then if it still leaks, after cleaning the seals out, and the tubes look good then it's time to install new seals.

Onomea