Leakproof fork seals

Last year I bought a set of leakproof oil seals. However, when trying to install them, I found that they are much thinner than stock fork seals; the collar bottoms on its threads before it presses on the seal. So I installed standard seals instead.

I am going to swap the front brake to the left side and was thinking again about putting in the leakproof seals since I'll have the forks apart again. The Leakproof seal kit says "Norton" and the number is the correct part number. The instructions say that seal kits for some bikes need spacers and that if so, the kit supplies them. But only the seals were provided in this Norton kit. Anyone else had experience with the leakproof seals? Did they come with spacers? I guess I could make spacers if I have to...

(I am aware of the issue re swapping the brake/bearing retainer unscrewing)

MexicoMike said:

Last year I bought a set of leakproof oil seals. However, when trying to install them, I found that they are much thinner than stock fork seals; the collar bottoms on its threads before it presses on the seal.

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That's the whole idea, as Leakproof seals must be free to move below the "retainer" so a gap of not less than 0.5mm (.020") is essential (and up to 4mm is no problem). http://www.britishcyclesupply.com/Manua ... alInst.pdf

MexicoMike said:

The Leakproof seal kit says "Norton" and the number is the correct part number. The instructions say that seal kits for some bikes need spacers and that if so, the kit supplies them. But only the seals were provided in this Norton kit.

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Which should tell you that no spacers are required.

OK, I read the instructions at the time - just re-read them a few minutes ago and also looked up my "log" entry for that (I write up everything I work on). When I posted earlier I had forgotten that they were supposed to float but in looking at the log I see that my concern was that they didn't seem at all "tight" against the side wall of the slider and that there was way more than .020 clearance between the seal and the collar. Seemed like they were literally "loose" in there. So it will really work with all that slop? Seems impossible and that the oil would just go around the sides of the seal! But I guess I'll just stick 'em in there as is and see what happens.
Worst case - pull 'em out and do it over with standard seals. I've pulled the forks so many times that it's become quite a quick operation now!

Thanks.

MexicoMike said:

I had forgotten that they were supposed to float but in looking at the log I see that my concern was that they didn't seem at all "tight" against the side wall of the slider and that there was way more than .020 clearance between the seal and the collar. Seemed like they were literally "loose" in there. So it will really work with all that slop?

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Yes it does seem odd, but the seals must be a reasonably loose fit so they can float around-as they are apparently designed to do. You should see that they also have "labyrinth" seals on the outside edge where they come into contact with the slider?

Leakroof seals were original equipment on late Triumph twins ('78-on).

Keep in mind also that they work better with a little extra oil near them for this reason I and many others file some groves into the top of the high hat on to the top bushing. My own personal set are only 10 years old no leaks but my friend has a 22 year old set that still work no leaks. Try that with factory seals.

Greetings,
Those "Leakproof Seals" have been discussed previously on this forum, then, as now, I must add my experience with them.
Every time I and other mechanics that I know that have installed them as directed (IE able to float) they leaked. If installed with some sort of sealant applied to the OD to "glue" them in sort of speak they worked fine. I you want to try them floating its up to you, but as a mechanic working on flat rate pay system, if they come back leaking I would end up having to do it the second time for free, no thanks hand me the sealant please.

GB