Leaking forks

PTFE Plumbers tape works good or use locktite thread sealer.

Failing that, can you not file off the head a bit and fit a copper (annealed) washer or a fiber washer?

There is a wide fibre washer fitted on the pressure tube. If you assemble upside down it stays in place. That washer probably is compressed and needs replacing.

Yes you are missing something.

The sealing is done by a good fitting fibre washer that fits on the bottom of the damper tube at the bottom and INSIDE the bottom fork slider.

The external fixing bolt in the bottom of the slider uses a plain steel washer simply to hold the damper tube in place and squeeze the internal fibre washer..

Les

Yes, but obviously, the mudguard has to be removed. It is just a matter of releasing the bottom bolt and the chrome slider extension and removing the damper rod from the top nuts...oh yes, drain out the oil first. You should then be able to tug sharply down several times to remove the top bush and seal and the slider will come off. The new washer can be held on with grease. Make sure the bottom of the slider inside is totally clean as it often is caked in sludge and grime...use a long stick or rod with rag and paraffin.

Les.

PS

I can't remember exactly off hand but I think the bottom of the damper tube is flatted to locate in the alloy slider and not turn...there is a chance that your previous assembly has the damper tube mis aligned which will cause the fibre washer to "float" and not be crushed and sealed by tightening the bottom external bolt....check this. I find that fibre washers unless cracked or broken should seal even if old so you might have assembled badly, but you'll obviously use new ones next time.

Les

Having disassembled the forks you may wish to take a view on whether it is good housekeeping to re-use the fork seals or replace them; 'for want of a nail' etc...

I re-used seals once on a nearly new bike, having stripped them to upgrade the fork springs; they leaked.....

I've had mine a part many times, so long as the seals stay on the stanchions they should be ok.

I am just saying Dan that in my experience it was not successful, and anyway, not considered good practice to re-use them, for the sake of a few quid. You pays yer money.....

Think about it, by undoing the retainer the only thing you are disturbing is the paper washer, and the seal of the seal body in the slider, you are not disturbing the seal on the stanchions. In most cases leaking seals (from the joint between the seal and stachions) is down to wear, dirt or damage. But As you say you have a choice and fitting a new set is a doddle compared to some modern forks!

Dan