[Toshi]

I have a '98 Z2 Super Fly, and after my last ride I noticed that it has some oil pooled by the seal and smeared on one of the stanchions. Is this indicative of a bad seal? If so, is going to the bike shop and having them rebuild the fork with a new seal my only recourse?

The leg in question:

 

[sub6]

Nah, looks to me like you just have dirty seals. What I'd do is
pull the fork apart and wipe the inner seals clean with a cotton
rag or some such thing. I'd change the oil while you're at it, since it's obviously dirty.

If you get a little grit in there, it's easy for the oil to slip past
but it's a simple fix.

 

[Toshi]

Originally posted by sub6
Nah, looks to me like you just have dirty seals.

Thanks for the reply. I'll try it this weekend.

 

[amateur]

be ware: that grit and grime can make little scratches in the stanchion that will ruin any new seal within 20 minutes of riding. just take it apart and make sure there arent any scratches, if there are, buff them out.

 

[Orvan]

Toshi!!!!!

my dial up did not like loading your miniature pic...how dare you discriminate against the few remaining dial up class???:devil:

 

[Toshi]

Originally posted by Orven
Toshi!!!!!

my dial up did not like loading your miniature pic...how dare you discriminate against the few remaining dial up class???:devil:

I'm doing my best to stamp you dialup types out. Besides, I couldn't bear to resize the picture, especially since it came out in such good focus (not due to chance, but rather because of the dozen shots I took ).

 

[rfemurfx]

sorry toshi im coming to this a little late, but your oil seal is very much pooped!! just wiping it and replacing the oil will only prolong the problem, taking the stancchion out and cleaning the seal will only CLEAN the seal not fix the problem.
from the picture you sent (oustanding shot!!) the pooling of oil along the seal shows very clearly that the oil seal is dameged and /or the bnushings are worn out and are allowing excessive movement of the legs causing the oil seal to leak.
the fix, replace the seals. a new kit is about $35.00.

 

[Toshi]

Originally posted by rfemurfx
sorry toshi im coming to this a little late, but your oil seal is very much pooped!! just wiping it and replacing the oil will only prolong the problem, taking the stancchion out and cleaning the seal will only CLEAN the seal not fix the problem.
from the picture you sent (oustanding shot!!) the pooling of oil along the seal shows very clearly that the oil seal is dameged and /or the bnushings are worn out and are allowing excessive movement of the legs causing the oil seal to leak.
the fix, replace the seals. a new kit is about $35.00.

Thanks for the reply. After an urban ride two nights ago in which the fork proceeded to leak more and spit oil all over the crown, I'm convinced that the seal is shot. I think I'm going to cop out and just send the fork in to Marzocchi for service.

 

[Orvan]

Originally posted by Toshi

Thanks for the reply. After an urban ride two nights ago in which the fork proceeded to leak more and spit oil all over the crown, I'm convinced that the seal is shot. I think I'm going to cop out and just send the fork in to Marzocchi for service.

you may save some transit time cuz most LBS stock Zokies seals nowadays...well, our shop did then..
and this thread is still in violation of our on dial-up speed rights..:devil:

 

[Toshi]

Originally posted by Orven
you may save some transit time cuz most LBS stock Zokies seals nowadays...well, our shop did then..
and this thread is still in violation of our on dial-up speed rights..:devil:

Too late -- I called today and received a RA #. I'm going for the whole shebang -- a full rebuild, complete with warranty. But first, I'll hammer on it some more tonight so that it is truly broken when the Zoke techs open it up.

 

[Orvan]

Originally posted by Toshi

Too late -- I called today and received a RA #. I'm going for the whole shebang -- a full rebuild, complete with warranty. But first, I'll hammer on it some more tonight so that it is truly broken when the Zoke techs open it up.

Brian Peterson will tie you up and whip you red.....:devil:

 

[Toshi]

Originally posted by Orven
Brian Peterson will tie you up and whip you red.....:devil:

Oops, did I say that? I meant that I'll lay it nicely in a box tonight until I ship it off tomorrow morning.

 

[Toshi]

I think I was too rough with it tonight, as my stanchion seems very unhappy. Ah well, might as well call 'em up again tomorrow and ask about upgrades to a Z1 perhaps...