Steve Saunders Goldwing Forums banner
Cancel

GL1100 fork seal job

724 Views 9 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  Bagmaster, 
K
imported post

I was wondering? Would i be wasting more of my time and money returning my 1100 to the shop that replaced my fork seals? thier leaking oil all over the %$^&* place! say good-bye to a new set of front brake pads... This 1100 was trusted to a local repair shop to install progressive fork springs AND replace the seals. According to the copy of the repair order 20 weight fork oil was used. however, the ounces were not noted. I have never used anything but a hand pump designed for these forks to add air to them. Then never anymore than 4psi. The thing that bothers me is, if i return this bike to the same shop, they may take a position blaming me for the bad seals. (over pressure/seals blown out). I feel as if i got bitten. and now, twice shy.. Question: Would you take the bike elsewhere? And pay to have the seals re-done?. Oh,Yeah, The shop that did this?... "North Coast Customs., Doset Ohio"....($1200.00~ forks and complete carb overhaul).....I kind of figure since a lot of you are techs, you might be able to help me figure out what this repair shop did not do... but charged me for it anyway... Advice from the good people on this forum. Will be instrumental in stopping the leaks i have on these forks.And the leak in my wallet..:headbanger: feel free to PM.... [email protected]
Save
Like
Status
Not open for further replies.
1 - 10 of 10 Posts
SpiderBob
imported post

Of course I'd take them back. And why should you have to pay anything if it's leaking. At least take it back and point out the problem. You spent 1200 already. They should fix it. I trust you didn't over air them. Have them take the seals out and check the tubes with them present and see if there are any nicks, burrs, etc that could cause a leak, look at the seals to see if they are OK. If any of this exists they should realize they didn't finish the job properly. My oil is not measured by ounce's, it is measured from the top of the tubeto the oil surface with the tubes collapsed and the springs out for progressive springs, but then I have a 1500 and you are talking about a 1100. Just pointing out that perhaps they measured and did not use the measuring method. Did you have the bushings replaced as well or just the seals, if the bushings are bad, they can in turn make your seals leak even if the seals are new and this would not be their fault.

In retrospect, there is enough information and helpon this forum, you could do this all yourself.
See less See more
Save
Like
Bagmaster
imported post

A good shop would notice if the bushing were bad and inform you about it before installing new seals. They also could have install the seals wrong side up. Take it back and be firm about them fixing it till you're satisfied with the work and don't pay them another penny. If they want your return business they'll make it right.

I'd also inquire about how much experience the mechanic has with older Goldwings or any Goldwing for that matter.
Save
Like
K
imported post

Dont think they know thier #$&* from a hole in the ground when it comes to Goldwings!.. thier primary business and concern is custom built choppers and Budwieser on friday evenings.... I was there when aother man was paying his repair bill. he had a Gl-1000 in really sweet condition. He paid $1400.00 to repair his gl1000. That's when i overheard the shop owner say "Dont bring it back here" it's to hard to work on those old"Wings".... So, I wont be going back with my 1100. Just do the forks myself.
Save
Like
K
imported post

My 1100 has 44,000 on the odometer. cant see how the bushings could be bad?
Save
Like
skoto1
imported post

to hard to work on. oh my god! never did fork seals before in my life granted i can turn a wrench but it took me like 2 hrs to do mine and i was a virgin at it. could do it quicker now i think. the hardest part was getting the top tube nuts back in by myself. but i would take it back if nothing else and try and get some of my money back if they wouldn't do anything.:clapper:
Save
Like
K
imported post

i never requested that the bushings be replaced... i'll go with oem seals and bushings. Bagmaster could be right by wondering if the seals were knocked in upside down. should tell you about the skill level of the mechanics in that shop..OEM might cost more, but they fit... i believe "aftermarket" seals were installed and presently in the fork tubes. Next season, i'll have dry forks...
Save
Like
K
imported post

I have the factory shop repair manual from "goldwingdoc's". just lacking basic tools and a warm gararge to get it done. but i'll find a place and the tools.
Save
Like
DaveO430
imported post

I would take it back and say fix it or return my money. At $1200 they made plenty to return the money for the fork seal job and still have a big profit on the rest.
Fork seals are fork seals pretty much so if they can do it on anything else they can do it on a GL1100. If they can't do the fork seals correctly how in the world could they possibly overhaul the carbs successfully?
Save
Like
Bagmaster
imported post

Document the results of their work before going back for a refund on the seals. That way you have it to take them to small claims court. You can point the judge to this website just to see all the posts where even newbys have changed their own fork seals.

Also OEM seals aren't all that expensive.
Save
Like
1 - 10 of 10 Posts
Status
Not open for further replies.
Steve Saunders Goldwing Forums
A forum community dedicated to Honda Gold Wing owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about reviews, performance, modifications, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Goldwing Technical Forum General Motorcycle Discussion Forum New Members Introduction Forum For Sale/Wanted Forum Events
Top