Fork seal leak help?

hi
iv changed the fork oil in both forks , iv now noticed on one of my forks slight oil on the inner fork , the shiny top bit of the fork , there isn't a lot and its not running down onto the bottom fork , iv used new seals I cant see any bend in the fork or damage but that's not to say its not , should I be looking at getting the fork replaced or will I be ok ? iv changed the seal three times with new seals now and still have the same problem, the forks were clean when I put new oil and seals in it so don't think its down to that ,
thanks for any help

[aesmith]

Originally Posted by craig dow

hi
iv changed the fork oil in both forks , iv now noticed on one of my forks slight oil on the inner fork , the shiny top bit of the fork , there isn't a lot and its not running down onto the bottom fork , iv used new seals I cant see any bend in the fork or damage but that's not to say its not , should I be looking at getting the fork replaced or will I be ok ? iv changed the seal three times with new seals now and still have the same problem, the forks were clean when I put new oil and seals in it so don't think its down to that ,
thanks for any help

Not familiar with the SV forks (yet) but if the bearings are worn then the seals won't last. On my last bike that made a difference, even the condition of the lower bearings had an effect.

but sure that would affect both forks not just one side , only guessing as im not sure myself

[aesmith]

Originally Posted by craig dow

but sure that would affect both forks not just one side , only guessing as im not sure myself

I was referring to the bearings inside each fork, the bearings that allow the inner part to slide inside the lower part. I'd need to see an exploded diagram, but I'd expect to see a replaceable bearing or bushing at the top just below the oil seal, and one at the bottom of the inner tube.

not on the sv forks , if there is I don't have any in mine ,

Originally Posted by craig dow

not on the sv forks , if there is I don't have any in mine ,

Its not something you can see from the outside. But it might not be called a bearing. If I'm thinking about the same thing as aesmith, its an internal ring or bushing which may be worn or damaged.

You would have to get the upper and lower completely apart to check this visually. If its cracked or worn, the stanchion may not get a good seal or might be rocking around in the lowers. The seals themselves may not be the problem.

Does the ride feel any different at the moment?

[aesmith]

Yes. Bush is probably the term, not bearing.

Hope this helps; is it items 8 and 13 here you're referring to?

ok thanks , will get a look at them , but as I said its just a very small smear of oil one the top fork part , so its not a big problem at the mow , thanks for your help

[aesmith]

Originally Posted by craig dow

ok thanks , will get a look at them , but as I said its just a very small smear of oil one the top fork part , so its not a big problem at the mow , thanks for your help

Sounds like it just needs a good wipe now and again, like before MOT. If it gets worse and you're replacing the seals, you can check those parts for wear while you're at it.