grey oil/grease leaking from top of fork

jamesdry
Profile picture for user jamesdry
Posts
52
Joined
7/17/2017
Location
AU
jamesdry
After riding for a good few hours i noticed grey oil/grease coming from the top left fork near my rebound adjuster. not sure what this is and why its that colour specifically could it e from something other than the fork? The left fork top cap also spins around and does not come undone for some reason. Anyone know what this could be? The suspension is WP-USD 48/26 MA/PA if this helps. If i was to buy new suspension (used) what would fit on my 04 KTM 125 and what could people recommend for a good price. Thanks!
|
JBecker 72
Profile picture for user JBecker 72
Posts
1738
Joined
3/25/2014
Location
VA US
JBecker 72 7/26/2018 4:29am
7/26/2018 4:29am
Sounds like something is stripped in the fork cap. The reason the fluid is grey, is because the fork oil is dirty and needs to be replaced.
jamesdry
Profile picture for user jamesdry
Posts
52
Joined
7/17/2017
Location
AU
jamesdry 7/26/2018 5:55am
7/26/2018 5:55am
JBecker 72 wrote:
Sounds like something is stripped in the fork cap. The reason the fluid is grey, is because the fork oil is dirty and needs to be...
Sounds like something is stripped in the fork cap. The reason the fluid is grey, is because the fork oil is dirty and needs to be replaced.
Thanks! Looks like I got to service them then. There is a fork seal leak anyway and when it leaks the oil is not grey though.
kb228
Profile picture for user kb228
Posts
6161
Joined
1/31/2018
Location
Mansfield, OH US
kb228 7/26/2018 5:59am
7/26/2018 5:59am
Theres orings on the caps. They might be shot. Also x2 on stripped threads. Gotta be careful with those.
slipdog
Profile picture for user slipdog
Posts
10044
Joined
7/25/2009
Location
Nor Cal, CA US
slipdog 7/26/2018 6:54am
7/26/2018 6:54am
The cap keeps spinning because that's a preload adjuster, it will eventually stop when it tops out. You need a pin spanner to properly remove the cap.

The leaking is also very common with those forks as they start to leak from the o ring that seals the preload adjuster to the main part of the cap, that's why it's coming from near the rebound adjuster. It's grey because it's mixing with the aluminum of the cap. You'll need to get a new cap to stop the leaking.
1

The Shop

See All »
jamesdry
Profile picture for user jamesdry
Posts
52
Joined
7/17/2017
Location
AU
jamesdry 7/26/2018 3:03pm
7/26/2018 3:03pm
slipdog wrote:
The cap keeps spinning because that's a preload adjuster, it will eventually stop when it tops out. You need a pin spanner to properly remove the...
The cap keeps spinning because that's a preload adjuster, it will eventually stop when it tops out. You need a pin spanner to properly remove the cap.

The leaking is also very common with those forks as they start to leak from the o ring that seals the preload adjuster to the main part of the cap, that's why it's coming from near the rebound adjuster. It's grey because it's mixing with the aluminum of the cap. You'll need to get a new cap to stop the leaking.
Thanks for help! Not sure if I should invest in replacement forks?
JBecker 72
Profile picture for user JBecker 72
Posts
1738
Joined
3/25/2014
Location
VA US
JBecker 72 7/26/2018 4:31pm
7/26/2018 4:31pm
slipdog wrote:
The cap keeps spinning because that's a preload adjuster, it will eventually stop when it tops out. You need a pin spanner to properly remove the...
The cap keeps spinning because that's a preload adjuster, it will eventually stop when it tops out. You need a pin spanner to properly remove the cap.

The leaking is also very common with those forks as they start to leak from the o ring that seals the preload adjuster to the main part of the cap, that's why it's coming from near the rebound adjuster. It's grey because it's mixing with the aluminum of the cap. You'll need to get a new cap to stop the leaking.
jamesdry wrote:
Thanks for help! Not sure if I should invest in replacement forks?
I would take them to a local suspension tuner and have them gone through. They probably just need some servicing and a few parts.
slipdog
Profile picture for user slipdog
Posts
10044
Joined
7/25/2009
Location
Nor Cal, CA US
slipdog 7/26/2018 5:58pm
7/26/2018 5:58pm
slipdog wrote:
The cap keeps spinning because that's a preload adjuster, it will eventually stop when it tops out. You need a pin spanner to properly remove the...
The cap keeps spinning because that's a preload adjuster, it will eventually stop when it tops out. You need a pin spanner to properly remove the cap.

The leaking is also very common with those forks as they start to leak from the o ring that seals the preload adjuster to the main part of the cap, that's why it's coming from near the rebound adjuster. It's grey because it's mixing with the aluminum of the cap. You'll need to get a new cap to stop the leaking.
jamesdry wrote:
Thanks for help! Not sure if I should invest in replacement forks?
I agree that you should talk to a local suspension specialist. While older, those open bath forks can be tuned for good performance. All the parts for those fork caps, including the o ring in question, are available on the parts fiche. I've never disassembled one myself, only replaced them in the past. The cost for a new cap is outrageous so rebuilding may be the best option. I'm pretty sure the caps use to only be about $75-$100 but now they want over $400
1
jamesdry
Profile picture for user jamesdry
Posts
52
Joined
7/17/2017
Location
AU
jamesdry 7/26/2018 6:13pm
7/26/2018 6:13pm
slipdog wrote:
The cap keeps spinning because that's a preload adjuster, it will eventually stop when it tops out. You need a pin spanner to properly remove the...
The cap keeps spinning because that's a preload adjuster, it will eventually stop when it tops out. You need a pin spanner to properly remove the cap.

The leaking is also very common with those forks as they start to leak from the o ring that seals the preload adjuster to the main part of the cap, that's why it's coming from near the rebound adjuster. It's grey because it's mixing with the aluminum of the cap. You'll need to get a new cap to stop the leaking.
jamesdry wrote:
Thanks for help! Not sure if I should invest in replacement forks?
slipdog wrote:
I agree that you should talk to a local suspension specialist. While older, those open bath forks can be tuned for good performance. All the parts...
I agree that you should talk to a local suspension specialist. While older, those open bath forks can be tuned for good performance. All the parts for those fork caps, including the o ring in question, are available on the parts fiche. I've never disassembled one myself, only replaced them in the past. The cost for a new cap is outrageous so rebuilding may be the best option. I'm pretty sure the caps use to only be about $75-$100 but now they want over $400
Jeez thats kinda ridiculous, ill just get them serviced for a couple of hundred then if possible. I think thats my best option

Post a reply to: grey oil/grease leaking from top of fork