K11 Owners Group

Stew Dutterer · Joined: 01 Mar 2008 Posts: 6 Location: Green Bay, WI

My 1995 LT with 60 K miles just developed a leak in the front fork. Is replacing the seals something I can do myself? I'm a mechanic by trade
but have never been into forks. Any short cuts or tricks of the trade would be appreciated. Should I use stock seals or is there a better aftermarket choice ? There is no rust or pitting on the forks, they have a mirror finish.
Stew Dutterer

Well I "got-r-done" turns out relatively easy, seals,o-rings, crush washers and oil came from Nick's BMW here in Green Bay for $36.00. Snap rings
were easy. Made a simple install tool for the seals and a refilling tube.
Ordered a set of neoprene gaiters from A&S because I'm going to Alaska for a month this summer and can use the extra protection.

Thanks to all who offered comments !!
Stew Dutterer
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Redrider

Klinker · Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 6:57 pm Post subject:

You should have no trouble replacing the seals yourself. The main subject of debate seems to be whether it is better to remove the tubes from the the tree or not. I did not when I replaced mine last September. That would be my "short cut."

The toughest step was the removal of the clip to get the old seals out. Really tough to get those suckers hooked enough to pry out. I busted a dental pick. But stick with it, they'll come if you can find something with decent strength and thin width.

I'm not aware of any aftermarket seals. The OEM were around $30 for the pair if I recall correctly.

Use the "Search" tool for some step-by-step descriptions from other posts.
_________________
tlp
1994 K1100RS

Only the Reasonists. They believe in an evidence-based world, something called Rationalism. But it's a tiny group, not so influential.
- Page Griffin

Shoganai · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 12:19 am Post subject:

I keep a set rebuilt forks on the shelf to switch out when needed. Embarassed

Then rebuild those and put them up for the future trade-out.

Jeez, I REALLY need to install some gaiters but they look so bad. Crying or Very sad

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1993 K1100RS aka The Shop Whore
1994 K1100RS aka Blue Streak

The long road is a rainbow and the pot of gold lies there.
So slip the chain and I'm off again,
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Shoganai · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 12:22 am Post subject:

Jim · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 12:27 am Post subject: fork seals/gaiters

Shoganai · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 12:40 am Post subject: Re: fork seals/gaiters

drmalacarne · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 6:42 pm Post subject:

Today, os a short ride around Araçariguama, my left fork seal begins to leak oil....after a 12k miles changing.
This is the normal life for a seal, or they must last for a longer time?
Here in Brazil the roads are no so good paved, and these seals works a lot...
Guilherme.
_________________
1994 K1100LT SE n° 0267
1998 HD Heritage Springer 95th anniversary
Yes, a Hog and a Beemer can live together!

Jim · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 7:27 pm Post subject: fork seals/gaiters

Guilherme - you need gaiters. Just the bug goo that's left after bugs splatter on your forks will dry and harden enough to tear up your seals.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

drmalacarne · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 7:35 pm Post subject:

Jim.
Do you suggest any brand of gaiters? Maybe in Ebay?
And thanks for the help!
Changing these seals are boring!
Guilherme.
_________________
1994 K1100LT SE n° 0267
1998 HD Heritage Springer 95th anniversary
Yes, a Hog and a Beemer can live together!

Jim · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 7:45 pm Post subject: fork gaiters

Guilherme - you can do a search for gaiters, gators, or rancho - then look for links that mention forks, fork seals or gaiters. http://www.k11og.org/forum/search.php?mode=results

There are BMW fork gaiters that are made for the R bikes that also fit our K's. Some of the guys here use Rancho fork boots - don't know if you get them on ebay or not (probably) - I use the R bike gaiters.

Haven't had any fork seal leaks since I had the gaiters installed.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

Al. · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 4:32 pm Post subject: Seals

Taking out the 'circlips' is a pain - be careful you dont damage the rim of the fork tube.
I slid off the bottoms too.

Took a lot of flushing to get swarf out.

Adrian · Posted: Sun May 18, 2008 6:06 pm Post subject:

Those of you who've fitted gaitors - have you left the dust seals in place or removed them?

Adrian
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Adrian in Somerset, UK
K1100LT SE
145,000 miles and counting Smile

https://sites.google.com/site/worlestone/

Mystic Red · Posted: Sun May 18, 2008 7:35 pm Post subject:

Dust seals in place!
_________________
Scott Hespelt, '94 K11LT
K11 OG #466

Flying Duck · Posted: Sun May 18, 2008 8:30 pm Post subject:

Before you leap into replacing seals, it might be some junk caught in there. Stick a feeler gauge into the seal and then slowly work around the fork. No guarantees that's it but it's worth a shot.
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