price quote for new fork seals

Edited Date/Time 1/26/2012 7:46pm
Just checked with a local shop about fork seals for my RM250.

If I take them the bike- $200 parts, $400 labor= $600
If I take the forks off by myself- $200 parts, $300 labor= $500

Does that seem extremely high to anybody else? $400 in labor to change some fork seals?
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bogdan912
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Estell Manor, NJ US
3/25/2008 11:03am
Thats ridiculous. $100 tops, seals are very easy if you have a fork seal driver and can do them yourself in 30minutes.
rallendude
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Adger, AL US
3/25/2008 11:05am Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:27pm
[quote="Moto East Mag":2zgeiiz8]Just checked with a local shop about fork seals for my RM250.

If I take them the bike- $200 parts, $400 labor= $600
If I take the forks off by myself- $200 parts, $300 labor= $500

Does that seem extremely high to anybody else? $400 in labor to change some fork seals?[/quote:2zgeiiz8]

EXTREMELY HIGH. I normally charge around $40 for just seals and about $70 to $90 for labor depending on how much time I end up spending cleaning and such. Even if that includes all new bushings and sliders then it's still way high. Labor shouldn't be more than 3 hours tops at $55 per hour. I figure usually on about 1.5 - 2 hours.

$500 - $600 would almost get you a complete revalve with new seals, and bushings most places.
Trip
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CA US
3/25/2008 11:12am Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:27pm
[quote="Moto East Mag":ysb3x7o8]Just checked with a local shop about fork seals for my RM250.

If I take them the bike- $200 parts, $400 labor= $600
If I take the forks off by myself- $200 parts, $300 labor= $500

Does that seem extremely high to anybody else? $400 in labor to change some fork seals?[/quote:ysb3x7o8]


Very outta line. Just had a friend who actually bought the seals somewhere else and was going to do them himself. Decided against it and took it to the Yamaha shop and they charged him 130.00. Oil included. He took the forks off himself.
3/25/2008 11:24am
I thought it was exorbitant. This place mainly does street bike stuff, so that explains it.
I am in a pinch cuz I need them for the race on Sunday. Guess i will keep calling around.

The Shop

3/25/2008 12:09pm
Did you try the ol' film negative cleaning trick?
3/25/2008 12:14pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:27pm
[quote="jtomasik":1m2hwonx]Did you try the ol' film negative cleaning trick?[/quote:1m2hwonx]

No, do tell. In fact if anyone has a quick fix I am all ears. I am not thrilled about tearing down my forks a few days before a LL qualifier. Or trusting a mechanic to get them back to me in time.
When the fork seal goes the handling goes out the window (fast sweepers are no fun). It's blasted oil all over the place, so maybe I can improvise something and add some oil to get through four motos.
MxKyle (MD)
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Orlando, FL US
3/25/2008 12:22pm
I can do them for $475. That price will even include airfare from Orlando but you will have to pick me up at the airport and buy me lunch when I'm finished.

--KT--
bogdan912
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3/25/2008 12:23pm
Take an old tear off and push it underneathe the seal all the way around to clean out any dirt that might be up there. If its a small slow leak this sometimes can fix it but not normally, and never has it worked for me.
DDub8
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Austin, TX US
3/25/2008 12:29pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:27pm
[quote="Moto East Mag":1o0d5z9g][quote="jtomasik":1o0d5z9g]Did you try the ol' film negative cleaning trick?[/quote:1o0d5z9g][/quote:1o0d5z9g]

No, do tell. quote]

Do what EVS said... and don't forget to check the oil height.

...and tell me where this shop is located because I'd love a new job taking forks off/on bikes for $100 a pop.
3/25/2008 12:49pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:27pm
[quote="jtomasik":1t4dz8ea]Did you try the ol' film negative cleaning trick?[/quote:1t4dz8ea]

This trick does not work. Any reputable suspension shop will tell you that is a no no. The fork dust seal keeps the dirt particles from making their way into the fork seals. Leaky seals are usually caused by general wear or a ding in the fork tube that wears a groove into the fork seal.
Craze
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Sin City, NV US
3/25/2008 1:00pm
[quote:3p5p3yzf]If I take them the bike- $200 parts, $400 labor= $600
If I take the forks off by myself- $200 parts, $300 labor= $500

Does that seem extremely high to anybody else? $400 in labor to change some fork seals?[/quote:3p5p3yzf]


Does that include a reach around?
davis224
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Cornland, IL US
Fantasy
3/25/2008 1:13pm
tell that shop that you don't see a female tech in there that's good enough to give you a good enough BJ and do fork seals at the same time for that price.
3/25/2008 1:15pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:27pm
[quote="evsracer912":1zr7j1t2]Take an old tear off and push it underneathe the seal all the way around to clean out any dirt that might be up there. If its a small slow leak this sometimes can fix it but not normally, and never has it worked for me.[/quote:1zr7j1t2]

My old 426F was problematic with leaky fork seals (especially after mud rides). That trick worked for me many, many times. My Suzook RM250 had the same problem. I used the trick once just so I could ride that weekend, then the following weekend I replaced the oil in the forks (with Enzo), installed those fork boot things (I forget the name), and I haven't had a problem since. I didn't even replace the seals when I did that oil change!

It's bull crap if some here think leaks are caused only by tears or dings in the fork legs. It could very well be simply a little piece of dirt caught between the seal and the leg. Make sure you pull down your dust seals and spray the living crap out of the oil seals before you use the film negative trick! It may give you this weekend's ride without a tear down.
3/25/2008 1:50pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:27pm
[quote="jtomasik":2oqv3qkk][quote="evsracer912":2oqv3qkk]Take an old tear off and push it underneathe the seal all the way around to clean out any dirt that might be up there. If its a small slow leak this sometimes can fix it but not normally, and never has it worked for me.[/quote:2oqv3qkk]

My old 426F was problematic with leaky fork seals (especially after mud rides). That trick worked for me many, many times. My Suzook RM250 had the same problem. I used the trick once just so I could ride that weekend, then the following weekend I replaced the oil in the forks (with Enzo), installed those fork boot things (I forget the name), and I haven't had a problem since. I didn't even replace the seals when I did that oil change!

It's bull crap if some here think leaks are caused only by tears or dings in the fork legs. It could very well be simply a little piece of dirt caught between the seal and the leg. Make sure you pull down your dust seals and spray the living crap out of the oil seals before you use the film negative trick! It may give you this weekend's ride without a tear down.[/quote:2oqv3qkk]

I ride a lot in mud and sand being an east coaster, which is tough on seals.
I think I will clean out the seals as best I can, replace the fork oil....pin it on the first lap of practice and see how it handles the big Tomahawk step up on Sunday! Then replace the seals by taking out an equity loan on my house. <img class= " title="Laughing">
jbomx363
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Denham Springs, LA US
3/25/2008 1:53pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:27pm
I find it hard to believe you don't have riding buddies that can tell you who in the local area to take it to. Heck, if you aren't a total doofus with mechanic side of things, make it easy on yourself and if you must, buy a dvd on how to change your fork seals and presto... you'll be the one your buddies can bring their stuff to and you can charge them half off the other shops price and still make some good coin! <img class= " title="Laughing">
G-man
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3/25/2008 2:08pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:27pm
It's easy to do. Google it, you would be amazed at what you might find. I know on TT there is an EXCELLANT how to in the CRF450 section, it's a sticky.... <img class= " title="Wink"> Get some PVC, cut it in half and use a rubber mallet to get the new seal in.

Just had to do mine on my 450, turned out it was a nick and you need to sand it down carefully.
3/25/2008 2:24pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:27pm
[quote="jbomx363":m0grb5yu]I find it hard to believe you don't have riding buddies that can tell you who in the local area to take it to. Heck, if you aren't a total doofus with mechanic side of things, make it easy on yourself and if you must, buy a dvd on how to change your fork seals and presto... you'll be the one your buddies can bring their stuff to and you can charge them half off the other shops price and still make some good coin! <img class= " title="Laughing">[/quote:m0grb5yu]


I have a guy that normally does all the work on my bike, but he is busy this week or something because he's unavailable.
Believe me, I know all the shops. This is a short deadline and I don't have much extra time these days.
And yeah, I am going to learn how to change seals myself.
drmarkr
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Tucson, AZ US
3/25/2008 3:30pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:27pm
[quote="G-man":wv3ygute]It's easy to do. Google it, you would be amazed at what you might find. I know on TT there is an EXCELLANT how to in the CRF450 section, it's a sticky.... <img class= " title="Wink"> Get some PVC, cut it in half and use a rubber mallet to get the new seal in.

Just had to do mine on my 450, turned out it was a nick and you need to sand it down carefully.[/quote:wv3ygute]

Sand? Sandpaper? I use small jewelers files to hit only the high spot itself. How do you do it with sandpaper, or even with emery cloth??
G-man
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3/25/2008 3:38pm
wet/dry 600 grit works for me.....
But yea a small jewerly file probably is better, where do you get one?
mxdad
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WI US
3/25/2008 4:23pm
You can't service your own forks? All you need to do is seals and fluid change? Buy a $30. service manual and do everything yourself. No wonder there are so many two stroke lovers. No brains and no balls to work on their own equipment.
3/25/2008 4:42pm
Seal Mate $5.00 you can get them anywhere.
nc_mx_kid
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Team Charlotte Motorsports, NC US
3/25/2008 8:19pm
Chad Newton @ Total Control Suspension. give him a call at 336-578-1906 He is out of Greensoro, NC.

telll him Kyle Pulley told you to call.
3/26/2008 6:58am Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:28pm
[quote="mxdad":2ngyfupb]You can't service your own forks? All you need to do is seals and fluid change? Buy a $30. service manual and do everything yourself. No wonder there are so many two stroke lovers. No brains and no balls to work on their own equipment.[/quote:2ngyfupb]


Ha...tough crowd...jeez.
No, I never tear down my own forks- and I never put my bike in the shop so I don't check prices on local shop work very often (now I know why). I recently rebuilt my bike from the cases up, but forks I leave to people that do it much better than me. Pete Payne re-valved my forks and he does a lot of the suspension work.
Hey, Jeremy McGrath has never cleaned a filter!
3/26/2008 7:03am Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:28pm
[quote="Moto East Mag":1wqhet57][quote="mxdad":1wqhet57]You can't service your own forks? All you need to do is seals and fluid change? Buy a $30. service manual and do everything yourself. No wonder there are so many two stroke lovers. No brains and no balls to work on their own equipment.[/quote:1wqhet57]


Ha...tough crowd...jeez.
No, I never tear down my own forks- and I never put my bike in the shop so I don't check prices on local shop work very often (now I know why). I recently rebuilt my bike from the cases up, but forks I leave to people that do it much better than me. Pete Payne re-valved my forks and he does a lot of the suspension work.
Hey, Jeremy McGrath has never cleaned a filter![/quote:1wqhet57]


Don't listen to mxdad. He associates the number of power cycles of an engine with changing fork seals. My bet is he'd get confused once (if) he had the seat off the frame.

Hey, did you try the film negative trick? There should be some good articles online that step ya through it.
mxdad
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3/26/2008 7:41am
There is nothing difficult with working on forks. I sent a set of forks to Factory Connection for revalve last year and took them apart and copied the valve stack for a set of forks on a practice bike. Did both sets of forks/shim stacks/seals/bushings/fluids in a afternoon. Sorry but I get tired of hearing people bitch about the cost of bike maintenance and modification.
G-man
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3/26/2008 7:43am Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:28pm
[quote="mxdad":2gx282dr]There is nothing difficult with working on forks. I sent a set of forks to Factory Connection for revalve last year and took them apart and copied the valve stack for a set of forks on a practice bike. Did both sets of forks/shim stacks/seals/bushings/fluids in a afternoon. Sorry but I get tired of hearing people bitch about the cost of bike maintenance and modification.[/quote:2gx282dr]

Hey where did you get your valve shims. My buddy is trying to talk me into valving my own forks, but before I dive in I want to make sure I have all the parts & equip.
3/26/2008 7:53am Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:28pm
[quote="mxdad":3imiz9gt]There is nothing difficult with working on forks. I sent a set of forks to Factory Connection for revalve last year and took them apart and copied the valve stack for a set of forks on a practice bike. Did both sets of forks/shim stacks/seals/bushings/fluids in a afternoon. Sorry but I get tired of hearing people bitch about the cost of bike maintenance and modification.[/quote:3imiz9gt]

And, I get tired of people taking unrelated subjects, mixing them, and arriving at an unapplicable conclusion.

YOU might find nothing difficult with something mechanical, but that doesn't mean everyone finds it the same. Some people aren't mechanically inclined, just as some mechanically inclined people would fall flat on their face when it comes to marketing, or aesthetic design, or biology, or something else.

The guy was smart to ask a question when he suspected something was wrong. Get off his back about it.
919
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US
3/26/2008 8:18am
MotoEast,
I bet there will be a vendor there that can change them pretty reasonably. If you need help with the film trick or putting the seals in I'll help you out. I should get there Thurday night or Friday morning. In a Keystone toyhauler pulled by a van 2 KTM65's 1 RM85 #114. Look me up if you need help.

Randy
3/26/2008 8:28am
Thanks Randy.
My guy actually called me and I am dropping my bike off tonight I hope!
And MXDad no worries...it was more the time factor in this case. I can do most stuff required to keep a two-stroke on the track.
wpcjs
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Yorkville, IL US
3/26/2008 9:11am Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:28pm
[quote:2xka9zdy][quote="jtomasik":2xka9zdy][quote="mxdad":2xka9zdy]There is nothing difficult with working on forks. I sent a set of forks to Factory Connection for revalve last year and took them apart and copied the valve stack for a set of forks on a practice bike. Did both sets of forks/shim stacks/seals/bushings/fluids in a afternoon. Sorry but I get tired of hearing people bitch about the cost of bike maintenance and modification.[/quote:2xka9zdy]

And, I get tired of people taking unrelated subjects, mixing them, and arriving at an unapplicable conclusion.

YOU might find nothing difficult with something mechanical, but that doesn't mean everyone finds it the same. Some people aren't mechanically inclined, just as some mechanically inclined people would fall flat on their face when it comes to marketing, or aesthetic design, or biology, or something else.

The guy was smart to ask a question when he suspected something was wrong. Get off his back about it.[/quote:2xka9zdy][/quote:2xka9zdy]



Damn dad, chill. You would love me, open my tool box and there is a check book.

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