Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > Forkin' seals!

[Harv748]

Looks like one of the seals on my ohlins has started to go. The leak doesn't appear to bad...only a tiny bit has started to show on the lower part of the stanction...so...

How bad is bad...should I fix it straight away or can it wait a week or three?

Who would you recommend and how much is it likely to cost/long would it take if I was to remove the fork leg and send it off?

It seems to be something that happens with ohlins forks...so I'm hoping someone has experienced this and has the answers!

[Edited on 1-4-2005 by Harv748]

[antonye]

£35 per leg in VAT.
http://www.racinglines.co.uk/html/suspension.html

They did all my DD bike suspension and Clive is an ex racer who also took our ACU induction course. Top bloke, top service.

[beancounter]

Ah yes.........the thing they DON'T tell you about Ohlins forks !

My seals went in 2003. I struggled on for a while but had to have them fixed. I had them overhauled (new seals, oil etc) for about 200 quid...a firm in Nottingham did them, can't remember the name though (your standard Ducati dealer won't have a clue, or the appropraite tools...)

Just remembered - it was Mick Gardner Racing in Newark (near Nottingham) - if anyone needs similar work done.


[Edited on 1-4-2005 by beancounter]

[Felix]

Yes, one of the down sides to Ohlins forks. Come to think of it, must be the only down side. Well, price too, I suppose.

Ask any 888SP4 owner how often they replace fork seal! Race forks are even worse with a expected service life of 50 hours!

There are a couple of things that help maximize fork seal life. One, make sure you keep the stanchions meticulously clean. Seals mainly fail due to contaminants. Second, use Ohlins grease (looks like green slime) on the stanchions and bounce the forks in order for the grease to work into the seals. No guarantees, but should help some. I does for me. I can just about get a seasons racing from one pair of seals.

[Monty]

Harv, you're Oxford way which isn't far from Coventry-JHP!

John

[BDG]

Seals last longer if kept away from Canadian blokes wiv big clubs...barstewards.

I'm onto second set of seals on Ohlins forks (2 different bikes though).

I've been told that the new type last longer...probably by about a week

[Nattyboy]

Serves you right Harv for being a flash git !! everyone else makes do with a modded biposto but oh no...you have to go and outdo everyone by buying a mint SP3 dont you...?!!

An ohlins thing I guess..felix is right..ive yet to meet an SP4 owner who hast put at least one set of fork seals in per season...

Good luck mate

Nat

[Harv748]

Originally posted by Nattyboy
Serves you right Harv for being a flash git !! everyone else makes do with a modded biposto but oh no...you have to go and outdo everyone by buying a mint SP3 dont you...?!!

LOL...now now...jealousy gets you nowhere