messed up or leaky fork seal

Hello
After a ride recently I have noticed one of the forks to be leaking. I wanted to see if I could change the seal out without disassembly of the entire fork and found with some searching that there have been people who say that their seals have become hung up internally rather than torn. I am wondering what experience others have had with this issue before I tear into them all the way. How do I know which one is the culprit? Supposedly some film or other material can clear and straighten it out. . Is there a process? Any help appreciated

You can buy some tool called the seal doctor or something like that , but i personaly think that you need new seals , and possibly new fork oil , why not give the forks service ? You will feel the difference once done and have a peace of mind for long time .

It is fairly common for upside down forks to start leaking on dirt bikes due to dirt or grit getting stuck on the lip of the seal.
I always try running a thin feeler gauge gently around between the fork slider and the seal face. This will dislodge any grit etc. and sometimes it has been a success and no more oil leaks.
It is not likely to work on the XR. especially if fork gaiters are fitted. The sliders are not continually as exposed to dirt as the upside down ones but it costs nothing to try so why not give it a go.

Thanks
Tried the feeler gage and will report back when I get a chance to test it out.
I've had the suspension worked on some years ago by barnums both front and rear but wouldn't say that I have all that much time on it to think that the seals are wore out. I was however riding the track and had a few hard landings with one that gave a feeling that something gave suspension wise. Didn't seem as stiff after.

I heard 35mm film is a good way to clear the seals....the youngsters are thinking whats 35mm film....I remember the old 110 format and square flash cubes....god I feel old @ times lol....hang on I am old  

Finally got a chance to ride some and appears to not be leaking. If anything changes I'll let you know! thanks

Also,
Doing the valve adjustments should the engine be warmed up or cold?
!

Mad Frosty wrote:You can buy some tool called the seal doctor or something like that

I use one of this and works great...



But you can use a film or other plastic material...Before I had the seal doctor i've my one tool from some plastic card

synonymous wrote:Also,
Doing the valve adjustments should the engine be warmed up or cold?
!

Cold.... most important !!!!

Thank you everyone,
Took a few to get back on the ride. Still no leaks from the forks after running the feeler gage. Also had the footpeg mod done by critter and seems much more secure than it was. Probably a good idea to use the seal cleaner at least once in spring. I've never done the valve adjustment yet but a guess would be that they are okay. She sounds clean. We'll see.

synonymous wrote:Thank you everyone,
Took a few to get back on the ride.  Still no leaks from the forks after running the feeler gage.  Also had the footpeg mod done by critter and seems much more secure than it was. Probably a good idea to use the seal cleaner at least once in spring. I've never done the valve adjustment yet but a guess would be that they are okay.  She sounds clean. We'll see.  

If needed valve adjustment it's easy job...so don't be afraid to do it.