Woops wrong seals

Due to a slip-up by the shipper I may have installed 35mm oil seals on 36mm forks. Are the 35mm seals going to wear out super quickly? Does it matter?

 

I don't think they would have even fit, at least not properly.

Were the seal "lips" distorted/stretched or "sticking up" when you were done?

If they WERE, then they will probably fail in short order.

 

They seemed fine but I'll have to take another look in a couple days. Unfortunately my shop is an hour away from me. The good news is the distributor just said they'd send me correct seals free of charge.

Now I wonder: once I stick a 36mm plunger (for lack of the correct word) down a 35mm seal, is the seal shot? It hasn't been ridden.

 

They're shot.

 

I'd say ride the 35s till they puke then swap in the correct units. Who knows how long they will last but may as well get some use out of them before they head for the landfill.

 

I'd worry that they'd tear. If that happens all the fork oil will be gone in a hurry. Plus, the air leak will reduce the spring rate (captured air is part of the spring).

 

Not a big deal if you are doing doughnuts in the front drive...
Not so good if you are out riding. I'll acquiesce to your better judgment MiCarl, it would suck to have them explode all over the place. Heaven forbid fork oil gets on the brake rotors and pads...!

 

would they have fit 35mm seals to a 36 mm fork at the factory?????
i think that if your do 50mph+ is it going to give way on you or what.if was me i would swap for the proper one. :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink:

 

I tend to agree with Carl; they won't be sealing and one good bump at speed is just going to cover the front of the bike with fork oil.

Just think of all the practice you'll be getting doing fork seals!

 

Gives him a good excuse and ample opportunity to make a video... right?