K11 Owners Group

Saltcreek · Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 4:45 pm Post subject: More fork seals

My left seal is leaking. They were replaced at the dealer in 2005, about 9,000 mile ago.

1. In searching the fork seal threads, I read that you can sometimes clear something causing a leak with a feeler gauge. Can someone clarify that process? It might buy me some time.

2. Do I need to order anything but the seals?

3. If you use rancho gaitors, how do you spot a leak developing?
_________________
Jim

1994 K1100LT Mystic Red, bfd, 37000 miles, sold Sad

2009 Wilderness Systems Zephyr 155 ST
2002 Litespeed titanium

Tim (Midland Section) · Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 4:56 pm Post subject: Re: More fork seals

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 5:47 pm Post subject:

Jim,

While I was somewhat hesitant to do them myself, now that I have completed the job I see that it is NOT a big or complex job.

Yes, just order the seals (part# 31422312928 $16.83ea from Max)

As far as the gaiters, according to what I have read here and in other places- once you have the gaiters on- leaks are greatly reduced. IIRC, F.D recommends punching a hole at the bottom rear, mostly to prevent the gaiter from ballooning out on compression- But if the seal started to leak again, that hole would show fork oil.

BTW, my local, clueless auto parts store had the Rancho gaiters for about $6 each.

Good luck.
John
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Saltcreek · Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 5:45 pm Post subject:

Got my forks disassembled today and I agree with SugarHill if you do them on the bike it's not a bad job. I fitted Rancho gaiters which as John pointed out are on the wall at VIP parts which is common in our area. $5.99. I found some damage in the "flat washer" below the seal so I have to wait for those from MAX. More M&Ms.
_________________
Jim

1994 K1100LT Mystic Red, bfd, 37000 miles, sold Sad

2009 Wilderness Systems Zephyr 155 ST
2002 Litespeed titanium

yhog · Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 11:43 pm Post subject: seal replacement

I have replaced fork seal for my k1100LT '97 to no BMW genuine parts but to ARIETE's seal for last 5 years. I have had experiences oil leak altough changed to new genuine seal just after couple hundred km ride.
I exactly do not know why but most my firends ride K1100 series complained BMW genuine easy leak oil same as me. Some dealer told me tiny spring hided in seal rubber is very rudeness and loosen. All K1100 series inner fork diameter are same as φ41.7mm. There are some after market fork seal in eBay or MC shops but most of them are same as genuine or not suit for K1100. I have searched on Net then ARIETE introeduced φ41.7mm fork seal just fit for my K1100LT. This seal for MARZOCCHI fork as for DUCATI PASO, 851. I have never oil leak with in 8,000km at least and no trouble on fork. Most of my friend has replaced same ARIETE fork seal for their K1100 series Very Happy

I can purchase this ARIETE's seal $15 for pair anyway.

Al. · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 3:59 pm Post subject:

Put holes in the gaiters.
Think I said this in other post on forks.
I used a red hot nail under the fold at the back of gaiter,
otherwise they may burst !

Just realised this is mentioned in earlier post .......................

Phil Marvin · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 5:03 pm Post subject:

Hi, Yhog,
Many of us have had fork seals begin to leak. Most have replaced seals with genuine BMW parts. Good for you if you've found aftermarket parts which work. If you don't want them to leak again, install fork gaiters. I don't know what is available in Japan. Here, I used gaiters for the R75/6 on my K1100LT and Rancho #1952 fork boots on my K75RT. If Rancho fork boots are available, they are MUCH less expensive than the genuine BMW parts.
Regards.
_________________
Ride Safe,
Phil Marvin in El Paso, TX
'94 K75A/3
'95 K75RTP

yhog · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 7:54 pm Post subject: Thanks!

Thanks Phil Laughing

Here in Japan, most K riders does not wear gaiters so I am.
Gaiters defend dust into inner fork in deed. But gaiters let we loose to check wheather fork oil leak or no and humidity will cause rusty pimple on inner fork tube. We have more humid than US Embarassed

Saltcreek · Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 7:46 am Post subject:

Further Update (I call them FUs):

Looking at the assembly procedure in Clymer, (I know, book of lies), I come across a piece on new and old style dust seals. I have the new style, which Clymer says requires a spacer ring between the seal and the dust seal. Mine didn't nave the spacer, nor is it shown in the parts fiche.

Anyone else run across this?

I'll call Max when they open. My washers are on backorder from the warehouse, thankfully not from the motherland. I want my bike back together!
_________________
Jim

1994 K1100LT Mystic Red, bfd, 37000 miles, sold Sad

2009 Wilderness Systems Zephyr 155 ST
2002 Litespeed titanium

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 7:57 am Post subject:

Jim,

No spacer above the seal on mine either.

I can't imagine what a spacer above the seal would do.

Look at the pdf on-line document, page 31.16 No spacer there.

John
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Saltcreek · Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 10:03 am Post subject:

This situation is described on pages 386 and 387 of Clymer. I'm waiting to hear back from Max. If Clymer is right, it seems like the combination of the new dust seal without the spacer could lead to premature failure.
_________________
Jim

1994 K1100LT Mystic Red, bfd, 37000 miles, sold Sad

2009 Wilderness Systems Zephyr 155 ST
2002 Litespeed titanium

Off the grid · Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 10:36 am Post subject:

9k miles or not, I'm not sure I would call a leak in 5 years "premature".

IMO.
_________________
Bane of your existence since July 2006
2007 Triumph Tiger ABS. "Sabertooth"
2009 Husqvarna TE610. "The dirty Italian mistress"

Saltcreek · Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 11:48 am Post subject:

Off the grid · Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 12:40 pm Post subject:

Mystic Red · Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 6:28 pm Post subject: