17' CRF450 Forks leaking

ktm_34
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3/14/2015
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ZA
3/26/2019 2:30am
Hi Guys,

I'm having some issues with my forks. My forks started to leak oil , and obviously I changed the seals .
Bought a set of the cheap fork seals and had a friend over to change them for me .

After about 3 rides , they started leaking again. Rode with them like that for a while.

Before my best whip comp came up , I changed the fork seals again , this time using SKF fork seals which my suspension tech recommended. I did the change myself this time , and after a few rides again , its started leaking as well .

Do any of you know why my forks could be leaking even after fresh seals were installed ?

Any feedback is appreciated.
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Paw Paw 271
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Benton, LA US
3/26/2019 5:19am
Did you also install fresh bushings?

Paw Paw
dkurtd
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TN US
3/26/2019 1:38pm
Using a seal bullet to slide the new seals on?
ktm_34
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ZA
3/26/2019 9:39pm
Did you also install fresh bushings?

Paw Paw
Yes , when the forks started leaking the first time. However, I do think its time for a proper rebuild with fresh seals bushings etc.

The Shop

ktm_34
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ZA
3/26/2019 9:40pm
Tubes knicked?
Nope, checked them over and is smooth as can be
ktm_34
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ZA
3/26/2019 9:41pm
dkurtd wrote:
Using a seal bullet to slide the new seals on?
I usually cut the old fork seals in half and drive them in , do you think they may not be seated properly ?
jaredkeller96
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Huntersville, NC US
3/26/2019 9:48pm Edited Date/Time 3/26/2019 9:48pm
seals just don’t go bad. There’s a small knick somewhere on your tube. Might not feel it but a sanding pad will
dkurtd
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TN US
3/27/2019 8:10am
dkurtd wrote:
Using a seal bullet to slide the new seals on?
ktm_34 wrote:
I usually cut the old fork seals in half and drive them in , do you think they may not be seated properly ?
No, I was implying you may be cutting/knicking the new seals sliding them on. That is why you use a seal bullet, others use electrical tape or saran wrap.

You cutting the old seals to drive the new ones in just tells more of the story.

If you're going to spend the money on SKF seals then spend the money on a $2 seal bullet and a $40 seal driver and do things right.
JohnMatrix
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Irvine, CA US
3/27/2019 2:41pm
seals just don’t go bad. There’s a small knick somewhere on your tube. Might not feel it but a sanding pad will
Exactly, you need to kind of drag your fingernail over the tubes to feel for it. Happened after 3 hours of use on my '18. The fork guards do not provide good coverage on the '17-'18 on inner part of the forks. '19 has updated fork guards but I have not personally compared to see if that was an issue they addressed.
526
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Colgate, WI US
4/1/2019 10:55am
I bet your suspension tech could install with success, you maybe just stick with the Whips.

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