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OEM or Aftermarket Seals

Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 8:31 pm
by gt5094stang
I've tryed lookin for answers to my question but realy haven't foud a thread that has an answer. I replaced my fork seal 2 weeks ago and now one of them is leaking like crazy and the other one is moist. I know i installed them correctly and there is no pitting on the forks themselves anywhere in the travel area to the seals.

Question i have is are after market seals good or should i go with OEM seals? Did i just get a bad set of seals?

Down in florida aftermarket seals go for $40 and the OEM's are $80

Re: OEM or Aftermarket Seals

Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 3:37 am
by reelrazor
gt5094stang wrote:I replaced my fork seal 2 weeks ago and now one of them is leaking like crazy and the other one is moist. I know i installed them correctly
I'm saying this statement is false. BOTH are sh***y? Something went wrong on installation.

It could be something seemingly unrelated, like the oil replaced to a too high a level.

One thing about OEM is that you KNOW they will a) fit, and 2) do the job.


Should only run you $60 for OEM seals and dust caps.


that said, I use the 'leak proof' brand of fork seals from dennis kirk for jap bikes and Harleys.

Re: OEM or Aftermarket Seals

Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 6:38 am
by Freestyle72
alway always always use OEM seals for forks. They are always way better. I remember when I did my 97 ZX6R it cost me about $18 for the seals and $20 for the dust cap or close to those amounts. Belray oil was a bout $15 for a litre bottle. Not an expensive task by any means.

Re: OEM or Aftermarket Seals

Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 8:39 am
by SquadraCorse
OEM is always better. However I replaced mine with All-Balls seals and they have been perfect.

Re: OEM or Aftermarket Seals

Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 10:21 am
by zero9243
I've done a few fork rebuilds with thatkid with various aftermarket brands and they have worked fine