Bicycle Mechanics - Fork Leaking from Stanchion/Crown

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1speed103
07-11-10, 09:46 PM
I've noticed that after my last 2 rides that there is oil on my fork where the stanchions meet the crown (both sides). I'm used to some oil seeping from the seals, but this is new to me. Should I be concerned?
For some background it's an '07 Reba Race 29. I recently tore it apart and changed out the oil and some o-rings. The bike has a creak, it might be the fork.
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BCRider
07-11-10, 10:16 PM
I'd say that the seals for the top cap on the legs are both leaking. Not sure WHY they would be leaking but it sure looks like that is the case. Once it sneaks past that top cap seal it must be traveling down along the slider to crown joint via capilliary action since it doesn't seem like it dribbled over the top and down the outside.
Maybe your caps are just loose?
Torchy McFlux
07-11-10, 11:32 PM
You call that leaking? I'd call it nothing.
1speed103
07-12-10, 01:04 PM
I think you're right. I re torqued the top caps and I don't think I had them as tight as I should have the first time. Although I am surprised that oil was able to move through such a small gap.
Also, the amount of oil was never my concern. It was the location and consistency of the leak.
Thanks guys.
BCRider
07-12-10, 04:00 PM
Keep in mind that there's air pressure in the forks when they are compressed that acts to aid your springs. Even if the top caps are contacting the seal all around if it's not with adequite pressure then the air pressure during compression could force a small dribble out past the seals.
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