Forks not holding air

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11 Mar 2006 19:19 #30204 by c_aasland
Forks not holding air was created by c_aasland
This is my first experience with forks that won't hold air pressure. I am going to rebuild the forks (replace the fluid, check bushings, new seals, etc) in the process, I'm wondering if there's anything I should look for regarding the air leak?

I figure I'll pay extra attention to the pressure balancer, and maybe even replace the valve core. Where do they typically leak?

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11 Mar 2006 20:55 #30232 by RetroRiceRocketRider
Replied by RetroRiceRocketRider on topic Forks not holding air
I can't say that there is any particular place in the forks regarding the air system that would leak. The fork oil seals however are the most common (and noticeable) to leak.

You can always replace the O-rings (ref# 92055B in the pic below) and what Kawi calls a "cap" (ref# 92055) on the air valve to rule them out as being the cause of the air leak.

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20 Mar 2006 08:42 #32801 by c_aasland
Replied by c_aasland on topic Forks not holding air
I don't see any fluid comming out of the fork seals - can they leak air and not fluid?

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20 Mar 2006 11:56 #32829 by NormZ
Replied by NormZ on topic Forks not holding air
I rebuilt my front forks two months ago in an attempt to keep them from leaking air, but it didn't help much. I considered replacing the air balancer tube but it is pretty expensive so I ended up just replacing the seals and fluid and inspecting and oiling all o-rings. Still leaks :( . I fill up to 10 psi and by two days later it's down to almost an immeasurable 2-3 psi.

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20 Mar 2006 12:13 #32835 by c_aasland
Replied by c_aasland on topic Forks not holding air
Have you tried replacing the valve core on top of the fork leg?

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21 Mar 2006 05:27 #33024 by c_aasland
Replied by c_aasland on topic Forks not holding air
I just had a thought. If I can't get the forks to hold air, and the air is used to increase the preload, can I simply add a spacer to increase the preload? Has anyone tried this or think that I should/should not do this?

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21 Mar 2006 08:07 #33056 by NormZ
Replied by NormZ on topic Forks not holding air
c_aasland wrote:

Have you tried replacing the valve core on top of the fork leg?

I have not. Probably would be a quick & easy change to try though.

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