Seal popped up on Reba

larkim

Cleaning off son's bike and the front right seal on his Reba looks like this:-

https://photos.app.goo.gl/aJbmbj736hic85Dg8



Is there a a straightforward fix?

steve_sordy

I'd just clean up around it, apply some wet lube or fork juice and shove it back in. Then keep an eye on it.

Warning: I am not a fork maintenance expert.

larkim

It looks threaded though?

JBA

It’s not threaded.
Push it carefully back in to place and the apply Fork Juice to the stantions and cycle the forks to get it in to the seals.

Have the forks ever been serviced?
The seals have probably dried out if not.

cooldad

^^^^^^^^^ this.

I would take it as a sign to do a lower leg service.

larkim

Last serviced 18 months ago, so that sounds about right. Timing not good though for various reasons.

If I've not got any specific fork lube and what would be a good alternative for a temporary solution until it can get serviced at Easter (I know, I know, but that's the reality)? Wet chain lube? PF30?

avalanche_expert

I would advise getting some of this in the meantime...

https://www.tftuned.com/wpl-forkboost-b ... lube/p3354

thistle_

larkim wrote:

Last serviced 18 months ago, so that sounds about right. Timing not good though for various reasons.

If I've not got any specific fork lube and what would be a good alternative for a temporary solution until it can get serviced at Easter (I know, I know, but that's the reality)? Wet chain lube? PF30?

Suspension oil, you can get it from Halfords or a car/motorbike parts place and you need some if you do the lower leg service anyway.

The service is pretty straightforward if you want to do it yourself - it's basically clean out the crud and change the oil. You can reuse the seals/foam rings if they're not too bad.

MadfishJDM

Would a service be required on a Reba fork if it had been stood for over a year with very light use beforehand?

steve_sordy

MadfishJDM wrote:

Would a service be required on a Reba fork if it had been stood for over a year with very light use beforehand?

It will depend upon where the bike was stored. Was it outside or in the garage. Was it moved at all or just left? It would also depend upon how long it has been since the fork was last serviced or was new. If it was ages, then the seals out of contact with the oil may have dried out. If you have the skills, service the fork yourself. If you don't, then apply some wet lube (Fork Juice is best, but I'm guessing you don't have any of that) to the stanchions and cycle them up and down several times and then wipe off the surplus. If the oil leaves a mucky ring, then wipe and repeat until it is clear. I'd also leave the bike parked upside down overnight to let the internal oil come into contact with the upper seals.

None of the above will replace or replicate in any way a proper service and it may have zero impact. But it costs washers, takes little time and may make the difference. Then ride the bike and see what you think. It is worth a little effort to see if a proper service is really required. You might get away with it.

MadfishJDM

Thanks for that, will get some fork juice and do what you suggested.

The bike has been kept in the house so away from the emements

JBA

That's the same thing that MadfishJDM recommended!