whats the costs for changing fork seals? Quoted $350

groggylbc
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276
Joined
5/30/2008
Location
Long Beach, CA, USA
Edited Date/Time 8/3/2025 9:38am

Hi...I just got quoted a bunch of money to change the seals on my GasGas. Seems very steep

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40acres
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7/23/2017
Location
Houston, TX, USA
8/2/2025 9:21pm

You're right, sounds expensive...

rdbs505
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122
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7/20/2019
Location
Conroe, TX, USA
8/2/2025 11:23pm

It's generally a little more, sometimes less around here..depends 

1
8/3/2025 1:20am

Why don't you do it yourself?

1
Nairb#70
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Location
Ivoryton, CT, USA
8/3/2025 5:05am
groggylbc wrote:

Hi...I just got quoted a bunch of money to change the seals on my GasGas. Seems very steep

What forks are they, and how much? It can vary depending on what parts are needed, the type used and the extent of work performed.

The Shop

8/3/2025 8:29am
groggylbc wrote:

Hi...I just got quoted a bunch of money to change the seals on my GasGas. Seems very steep

Well can you break that down for me, how much is a "bunch"?

1
groggylbc
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276
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5/30/2008
Location
Long Beach, CA, USA
8/3/2025 8:48am

$350..... 2022 ktm 350

UGOTBIT
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Location
Upstate, NY, USA
Fantasy
8/3/2025 11:47am

It can add up quick, probably over $100 bucks for good seals and bushings. Fork oil is $20 a quart. Add in some labor and you’re there 

6
8/3/2025 7:22pm

I haven’t paid someone else to do mine in 10 years, but it was about $200-250 back then. I could see $350 this day and age. 

But what kind of seals/bushings/oil? If it’s SKF with dust seals and quality fluid, that’s not bad. If it’s bike master seals only and whatever oil comes out of the barrel, probably not. 

It’s not a hard job to do yourself and you can get all parts and tools for way less than $350. Doing it yourself will also let you check the bushings and bleed the cartridge. Admittedly, it’s a messy job, but it’s not technically challenging. 

2
walent215
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2521
Joined
12/6/2014
Location
Ridgecrest, CA, USA
8/3/2025 8:37pm

Wow

I just did a set of 12 CRF kybs for $180ish

I believe parts I used were 

Prox seals , inntek bushings, maxima fluids

$350 seems ludicrous to me 

 

8/3/2025 10:21pm
I haven’t paid someone else to do mine in 10 years, but it was about $200-250 back then. I could see $350 this day and age. But...

I haven’t paid someone else to do mine in 10 years, but it was about $200-250 back then. I could see $350 this day and age. 

But what kind of seals/bushings/oil? If it’s SKF with dust seals and quality fluid, that’s not bad. If it’s bike master seals only and whatever oil comes out of the barrel, probably not. 

It’s not a hard job to do yourself and you can get all parts and tools for way less than $350. Doing it yourself will also let you check the bushings and bleed the cartridge. Admittedly, it’s a messy job, but it’s not technically challenging. 

I,m Very interested in doing that myself .  I change fork & shock springs that’s pretty easy tho.  Where do I buy the tools from Race Tech ?   A local rider was charged 800 bucks to change fork& shock springs , ouch . 

2
8/4/2025 12:41am
I haven’t paid someone else to do mine in 10 years, but it was about $200-250 back then. I could see $350 this day and age. But...

I haven’t paid someone else to do mine in 10 years, but it was about $200-250 back then. I could see $350 this day and age. 

But what kind of seals/bushings/oil? If it’s SKF with dust seals and quality fluid, that’s not bad. If it’s bike master seals only and whatever oil comes out of the barrel, probably not. 

It’s not a hard job to do yourself and you can get all parts and tools for way less than $350. Doing it yourself will also let you check the bushings and bleed the cartridge. Admittedly, it’s a messy job, but it’s not technically challenging. 

I,m Very interested in doing that myself .  I change fork & shock springs that’s pretty easy tho.  Where do I buy the tools from Race...

I,m Very interested in doing that myself .  I change fork & shock springs that’s pretty easy tho.  Where do I buy the tools from Race Tech ?   A local rider was charged 800 bucks to change fork& shock springs , ouch . 

3
8/4/2025 8:27am

The tusk tools work pretty well. 

Also, once you have the seal driver, you can use the Vital technique to change fork springs without dumping oil. Saves you from burning through a bunch of fresh-ish fork oil and keeps your fluid volume consistent if you're troubleshooting spring rates. 

2
8/4/2025 8:46am
I haven’t paid someone else to do mine in 10 years, but it was about $200-250 back then. I could see $350 this day and age. But...

I haven’t paid someone else to do mine in 10 years, but it was about $200-250 back then. I could see $350 this day and age. 

But what kind of seals/bushings/oil? If it’s SKF with dust seals and quality fluid, that’s not bad. If it’s bike master seals only and whatever oil comes out of the barrel, probably not. 

It’s not a hard job to do yourself and you can get all parts and tools for way less than $350. Doing it yourself will also let you check the bushings and bleed the cartridge. Admittedly, it’s a messy job, but it’s not technically challenging. 

I,m Very interested in doing that myself .  I change fork & shock springs that’s pretty easy tho.  Where do I buy the tools from Race...

I,m Very interested in doing that myself .  I change fork & shock springs that’s pretty easy tho.  Where do I buy the tools from Race Tech ?   A local rider was charged 800 bucks to change fork& shock springs , ouch . 

I go on Race Tech,s site & put in diff skill levels , age groups is the biggest change .  There tools etc. I,m interested in there seminars but they don’t list dates.  Might be for new franchises.  I hv .46 springs coming my revalve is butter soft , not what I like . 

2
btroxler
Posts
168
Joined
5/22/2017
Location
Saltillo, MS, USA
8/4/2025 2:10pm

$350 is pretty close. Here is a breakdown for what I charged last week on a set of 48mm KYB SSS Forks

$117 for SKF Seals and Bushings

$25 for 1 Qt Fork Oil

$165 Labor

$10 Shop Supplies

$9.86 Tax/Shipping

 

Bill was $325

 

1
YZed250
Posts
1339
Joined
11/9/2014
Location
Costa Mesa, CA, USA
8/4/2025 4:07pm

I am from Costa Mesa and can offer a much better deal on fork seal service.  ... shoot me a PM @groggylbc 

8/4/2025 5:07pm Edited Date/Time 8/4/2025 5:09pm

I need to up my prices.. just did some wp forks for $200 with oem seals/bushings and kyb oil


And still have trouble getting friends to pay in full and on pickup. Luckily I’m always too busy when those guys need stuff done..

2
SoCalMX70
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Location
Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
8/4/2025 10:43pm Edited Date/Time 8/4/2025 10:45pm

The last time I paid for a rebuild front and rear from a shop they charged me over $600. That was it for me... I do my own now. The shock can be tedious and forks are a walk in the park. Overall the job is easy.

4
walent215
Posts
2521
Joined
12/6/2014
Location
Ridgecrest, CA, USA
8/5/2025 4:38am
btroxler wrote:
$350 is pretty close. Here is a breakdown for what I charged last week on a set of 48mm KYB SSS Forks$117 for SKF Seals and...

$350 is pretty close. Here is a breakdown for what I charged last week on a set of 48mm KYB SSS Forks

$117 for SKF Seals and Bushings

$25 for 1 Qt Fork Oil

$165 Labor

$10 Shop Supplies

$9.86 Tax/Shipping

 

Bill was $325

 

Totally understandable since you run a business !

Just curious if you could breakdown pricing for a 2015 yz250f top end rebuild , including vertex piston and cam chain as you did ?

Thanks , Chris . 

AMetts
Posts
1178
Joined
6/15/2022
Location
Lincolnton, NC, USA
8/5/2025 6:26am

Ill post what is needed and you can make the decision but forks aren't the black magic people think they are, KTM seals especially I find very easy to do. Also if you have a leaking seal and have a race or trip planned shortly after you are able to take of it yourself in an evening. 

KTM OEM Fork Seal Kit | Parts & Accessories | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC

KTM OEM Fork Bushing Kit | Parts & Accessories | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC

Tusk Fork Cap Wrench | Parts & Accessories | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC

Tusk Fork Seal Driver | Parts & Accessories | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC

Motion Pro Fork Seal Bullet | Parts & Accessories | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC

Maxima Racing Fork Fluid | Parts & Accessories | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC

8/5/2025 6:51am
AMetts wrote:
Ill post what is needed and you can make the decision but forks aren't the black magic people think they are, KTM seals especially I find...

Ill post what is needed and you can make the decision but forks aren't the black magic people think they are, KTM seals especially I find very easy to do. Also if you have a leaking seal and have a race or trip planned shortly after you are able to take of it yourself in an evening. 

KTM OEM Fork Seal Kit | Parts & Accessories | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC

KTM OEM Fork Bushing Kit | Parts & Accessories | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC

Tusk Fork Cap Wrench | Parts & Accessories | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC

Tusk Fork Seal Driver | Parts & Accessories | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC

Motion Pro Fork Seal Bullet | Parts & Accessories | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC

Maxima Racing Fork Fluid | Parts & Accessories | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC

If the seal is leaking, cleaning it often fixes it...

1
AMetts
Posts
1178
Joined
6/15/2022
Location
Lincolnton, NC, USA
8/5/2025 6:59am
AMetts wrote:
Ill post what is needed and you can make the decision but forks aren't the black magic people think they are, KTM seals especially I find...

Ill post what is needed and you can make the decision but forks aren't the black magic people think they are, KTM seals especially I find very easy to do. Also if you have a leaking seal and have a race or trip planned shortly after you are able to take of it yourself in an evening. 

KTM OEM Fork Seal Kit | Parts & Accessories | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC

KTM OEM Fork Bushing Kit | Parts & Accessories | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC

Tusk Fork Cap Wrench | Parts & Accessories | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC

Tusk Fork Seal Driver | Parts & Accessories | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC

Motion Pro Fork Seal Bullet | Parts & Accessories | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC

Maxima Racing Fork Fluid | Parts & Accessories | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC

If the seal is leaking, cleaning it often fixes it...

Yes, if they are OEM quality and dont have tons of hours on them they usually just need cleaned, mud, silty dust and water crossings is usually when that happens in my experience. 

Always good to pop the cap off and dump and refill with oil if you have lost a good amount. 

 

8/5/2025 12:59pm

Gather up all your gumption, YouTube your forks, buy the couple needed tools, and learn how to do seal/bushing/oil changes yourself. It’s really low level intro to mechanics work. You’ll save a tremendous amount of time and money (first time is about moot with tools). Being without your forks for 2-3 weeks is insane. 

1
btroxler
Posts
168
Joined
5/22/2017
Location
Saltillo, MS, USA
8/7/2025 11:39am
btroxler wrote:
$350 is pretty close. Here is a breakdown for what I charged last week on a set of 48mm KYB SSS Forks$117 for SKF Seals and...

$350 is pretty close. Here is a breakdown for what I charged last week on a set of 48mm KYB SSS Forks

$117 for SKF Seals and Bushings

$25 for 1 Qt Fork Oil

$165 Labor

$10 Shop Supplies

$9.86 Tax/Shipping

 

Bill was $325

 

walent215 wrote:
Totally understandable since you run a business !Just curious if you could breakdown pricing for a 2015 yz250f top end rebuild , including vertex piston and...

Totally understandable since you run a business !

Just curious if you could breakdown pricing for a 2015 yz250f top end rebuild , including vertex piston and cam chain as you did ?

Thanks , Chris . 

Here are some general prices

 

Top End Rebuild Labor $195   [Disassembly, Cleaning & Reassembly] includes replacing Valve Seals and setting valve lash, reusing valves, valve springs keepers and retainers if they are all still within spec.

Vertex Piston $75

OEM Cam Chain $30

Cometic Top End Gasket Set $75

 

8/8/2025 2:54pm
groggylbc wrote:

$350..... 2022 ktm 350

Damn that is a "bunch". I have done mine forever, and I might have to rethink doing my friends for free. The AER forks are even easier than spring forks imo.

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