superhawk996 Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 My 'new' Ducati had leaky seals (helped shave a couple $ off the price) so I gave cleaning them a shot. I found that there are a few people selling tools to do this but being that I'd just unloaded it from the truck I wanted to ride right then, not go tool shopping or wait for Amazon. I used the energy guide sticker that was on my new TV (and the chick bitches that I never throw things away) it's thin and fairly stiff so I thought I'd try it. A few minutes later they appeared to be good to go so I took a ride--dry Ohlins for me ! Another home tool that works well is camera film but I didn't have any laying around. While cleaning you'll get some extra oil dribbling out around your tool so be prepared. The oil was pretty dirty so I'm thinking of getting more oil, it'll need topping off anyway, and purging them some more. There are detailed tutorials online with pics & vids so I won't bother, just want to share the idea and state that it can work. They were leaking pretty badly and I had my doubts but I'm a believer now. The tutorials I found were on dirtbikes, I guess they get more dirt in their seals for some odd reason, but same job on a streeter. The Ducati manual gives the rebuild instructions for the standard version 999 with Showas, for the S model with Ohlins it gives adjustment instructions followed by -if your Ohlins have an issue fuck off and go talk to them about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redbird Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 I had a KTM360 EXC with the 50mm Marzocchi forks. Great set of forks, but those things would leak if you looked at them funny. The cleaning you're referencing worked well on those, kept seal replacement to every 4-5 outings rather than every other. For those wondering, some higher end forks have seals that are on the loose side to minimize stiction. They can pick up small pieces of debris that will then deform the seal enough to allow oil to pass. Taking a thin piece of plastic and running it between the seal and the fork leg can displace this debris and stop a leak, assuming the seal itself isn't damaged. As a side note, I can change out a set of seals on 50mm Marzocchi forks in about 25 minutes from putting the bike on the stand to riding away. Just in case anyone is looking for that service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Krypt Keeper Posted September 29, 2014 Share Posted September 29, 2014 Good deal. Good tip. Red I wanna watch that dance. My personal best being timed on bikes is 7 minutes removing front and rear wheels from xx for new tires. All hand tools, no electric or pneumatic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackhawkxx Posted September 29, 2014 Share Posted September 29, 2014 My personal best being timed on bikes is 7 minutes removing front and rear wheels from xx for new tires. All hand tools, no electric or pneumatic. Was that after drinking beer and watching NASCAR? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Krypt Keeper Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 No, I dont like nascrap, Was actually a rib at a buddy who bitched about having to remove his wheels and how big of a pain it is on his kawisuckass. Believe I did it with a now you see them pic on bike. And a now you dont pic of bike minus wheels 7 minutes later. I admit I had my tools needed already out ready to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBLXX Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 No, I dont like nascrap, Was actually a rib at a buddy who bitched about having to remove his wheels and how big of a pain it is on his kawisuckass. Believe I did it with a now you see them pic on bike. And a now you dont pic of bike minus wheels 7 minutes later. I admit I had my tools needed already out ready to go. Dude....re-read that. You drinking today? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Krypt Keeper Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 Im on vacation this week What do you think.. Done jacked this damn thread now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
racer212 Posted October 30, 2014 Share Posted October 30, 2014 A good heavy stock business card carefully wedged up into the seals and worked around can save seals if they are leaking a little from grime/crap build up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superhawk996 Posted October 31, 2014 Author Share Posted October 31, 2014 I considered that but thought it might be too thick and may cause a problem, would also suck if it left paper fibers in there or even worse if it tore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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