Fork Gaiters

[OpenRoad]

My bike is a 2002 Bonniville (carbs). The front fork dust seals are shot and need to be replaced. I intend to install a set of fork gaiters because I like the retro look, so my question is: Can I skip the new dust seals and just put the gaiters on? (Removing the old shot seals of course). I assume the gaiters will act as dust seals? Don't need both? Thanks!

 

[Rocky]

In this diagram, what part are you referring to?

 

[OpenRoad]

Sorry for the vagueness. Part #14 - "Dust Seal, Fork" is what I'm asking about.

I'm also now wondering if I need to remove part #11 - "Fork Protector" from each side as well?

 

[OpenRoad]

So, here's the instruction sheet for the gaiters. It does say to remove the fork protectors, but nothing about the dust seals...

 

[OpenRoad]

I can see that there's no reason to REMOVE the dust seals to install the gaiters, my question is do I NEED them. The seals on there now are shot (they're riding up on the forks, the rubber is decayed and the metal inside is rusted). I'm wondering if I can get away with just removing them altogether and not having to replace them. Seems to me the gaiters will do the job of sealing out any dust.

 

[Rocky]

The factory put them there for a reason so I would say yes, you need them.
Can you run the bike without them? Probably, but I doubt you will get an answer to that from anyone. Parts that need replacing get replaced.
The forks have to come off anyway so the decision is yours to replace or not.

The gaiter instructions wouldn't say anything about other internals because the instructions are only about fitting gaiters and rightly assumes that all other parts are in place.

 

[crazedcanuck77]

Without the fork dust seals in place, whatever fork oil that may get by the main seals will spray everywhere.

Gaiters are a protection from exterior debris denting your forks, but offer little to no dust/oil protection for the actual forks. Also in the case of a fork seal leak, the oil will come out of the gaiters and spray you while riding as they aren't a tight fit. This will likely cause the gaiters to rot away in two seasons or so. Without the proper fork dust seals installed, debris will collect in that lip from the edge of the fork down to the oil seal. So every time your forks compress, they'll drag all that sh*t down into your forks, destroying the oil seals in short order.

 

[crazedcanuck77]

I can see that there's no reason to REMOVE the dust seals to install the gaiters, my question is do I NEED them. The seals on there now are shot (they're riding up on the forks, the rubber is decayed and the metal inside is rusted). I'm wondering if I can get away with just removing them altogether and not having to replace them. Seems to me the gaiters will do the job of sealing out any dust.

I just saw this... You do realize that the dust seal being gone, and the metal retaining clip rusted out, means that the fork oil seal, that pesky thing that, y'know, is the only thing holding back roughly 500ml of fork oil in each side. Which is what's majority responsible for your entire front suspension being functional.

With the retaining clips and dust seals rotted/destroyed, your next bump could see your forks gushing oil and you on the side of the road waiting for a tow.

You need to replace the dust & oil seals on both forks, as well as the bushings and retaining clips.

 

[Qship]

@crazedcanuck77 Not everyone has the same level of mechanical aptitude so that's why we try to help others on here with respectful responses.

 

[sikatri]

I’d consider replacing any rusted or pitted parts.