Centauro fork seals

[Joliet Jim]

Yep went to the shed today to finally bring the C back home to the garage permanently. All set to leave when Cheryl asks what's all that over your front tire. Yep the finest fork oil money could buy at least at the local Cycle Gear store. Basically rode it home in the spring and changed oil, trans, rear and took a short ride. Fast forward two months and find a puddle all over the front wheel. Anybody know how hard it is to change the seals? I probably should have done them when I changed the fork oil a couple of years ago.  So now I have a Triumph in need of a lockheed brake rebuild for soiling it's front wheel and the mighty C is down and after today's ride on the Cali Stone I think some fresh brake fluid may be in order. Fun fun

[guzzisteve]

Sounds like they are glad to be back home and want your attention. It's always something.

[Chuck in Indiana]

*I've never done it,* but I'd think its a no brainer. You have to disassemble them completely to change out the fluid, so popping out and replacing the seals should be simple.

[Joliet Jim]

I wish I could remember what I did when I changed the fluids, but having a brain cramp. All I know is I followed Steve's instructions.

Time to start looking for the workshop manuals.

On a side note, I'm assuming I can ride it the four miles home after I clean off the tire as long as I take it slow.

[Tusayan]

Its just a piece of plastic shaped to work effectively, but it does work quite often.   

https://sealmate.net/

[guzzisteve]

Should be in your archive posts for changing the oil.  I don't take dampeners all apart, just pump all oil out of them & let drain out the bottom screw. Then put new fluid in the top. I've never had an issue.

[fotoguzzi]

Someone once told me you almost need a special tool or you can bugger up the lower leg pretty easy, be careful, that is some soft material

[rschrum]

This should help.

https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=107804.0

[Chuck in Indiana]

^^^^ Some serious "shaved apery" going on in that picture, Foto..    I made a tool out of pvc pipe.

[Joliet Jim]

This should help.

https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=107804.0

Thanks

[Joliet Jim]

Should be in your archive posts for changing the oil.  I don't take dampeners all apart, just pump all oil out of them & let drain out the bottom screw. Then put new fluid in the top. I've never had an issue.

I vaguely remember pulling the fork legs and I think putting them in the corner of the garage upside down to drain. The bike handled great after doing it your way.

[Joliet Jim]

Its just a piece of plastic shaped to work effectively, but it does work quite often.   

https://sealmate.net/

That will need to be tried.

[Tusayan]

That will need to be tried.

It’s worked for me a couple of times.  Clean up residual oil as well as possible and then given it a while before you judge if it’s still leaking.  I was almost convinced to change the seal on my belt drive Ducati SS because I was still seeing a little oil afterward, but after a couple of rides it stopped.  That saved a fair bit of work.

[Joliet Jim]

It’s worked for me a couple of times.  Clean up residual oil as well as possible and then given it a while before you judge if it’s still leaking.  I was almost convinced to change the seal on my belt drive Ducati SS because I was still seeing a little oil afterward, but after a couple of rides it stopped.  That saved a fair bit of work.

Bought a 2 pack of the new model for 13.99, already shipped. It has some pretty impressive reviews.

[guzzisteve]

I use this stuff liberally with unreal results, it stops seals from leaking and clean the dirt out. I also use it on seal installation, squeeze bushing together and slick install no damage.

https://www.motionindustries.com/products/sku/00782658?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=dynamic_catchall&utm_content=catchall_adgroup&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInOvet-eh8QIVCOXICh2WRg67EAAYAyAAEgIvS_D_BwE

[Perazzimx14]

Its just a piece of plastic shaped to work effectively, but it does work quite often.   

https://sealmate.net/

This work on even more than "fork seals". Recently on my 2007 R1200GS the outer seal on the rear drive was weeping a bit of earl. I order a new seal and though WTF why not try ye'ole water bottle seal mate trick. Removed the protective plastic cap clean up the oil with rags and-tips then ran the seal mate around a few times. Just got back for about 160 miles of riding and the seal is no longer weeping

5 minutes 1 beer 4 Q-tips and a water bottle out of the trash. $45 seal back in working order and new $45 seal in attic stock

[D Knaus]

I think the C and my Sport 1100i have the same "upside down" forks.  I had a seal leak a couple of years ago (75K miles) and bought a pair of seals.  I changed the one that leaked, and it was a major PITA.  the other new seal is still on the neck of the fork oil bottle, on the shelf, to be dealt with only if and when necessary.  I don't have special tools, and it was hard for me to get that new seal in without damaging it.  Your mileage may vary.