The Hodaka Club Forum

Hi All
I have an unusual leak on my 93 Super Rat forks it is coming from the underside of the fork outer nut, the fork oil runs down the outer fork tube and appears to be dripping from the drain hole. However as stated the source of the leak is actually the underside of the fork outer nut? I know this nut has an o-ring that I presume seals against the sliding bush and I believe that this is not making a good enough seal? Both the o-rings were replaced when the forks were stripped down however the sliding bushings were not replaced as they seemed ok. But the diameter of the top of the bushings does not appear to give a lot of surface contact to the o-ring and I am wondering if these bushings are the correct ones for the standard 938700 30mm forks that were on the bike? Does this diameter vary on the different forks used across the model range or is it a standard size?
Help needed
Cheers Edo

It is good practice to change all the o-rings at once. Even if the look and feel ok. Easy fix to confirm the problem.

Hi Matt
Yes I did replace the all the o-rings when the forks were stripped down and they were fine for a few days, now they have started to leak. What I am asking is maybe the sliding bushings on my bike are not correct for the 938700 30mm standard fork as they don't appear to be making enough surface contact with the o-ring in the fork nut allowing oil to leak past?
Cheers
Edo

Got it. Sorry. I misread your post. Are there any irregularities, defects, or corrosion on any of the involved surfaces? Additionally, is it leaking at rest or does the leak appear only after riding the bike. One or both forks? If only one, simple solution - compare part by part. Something is different with the leaking side. I can tell you that the people who can actually help you here always appreciate photos and objective measurements of the involved parts when attempting to make non-hands on, long distance diagnoses. Sorry about my lame first comment.

Hi Matt
Sorry for the late reply. Yes the bushes are not perfect although the faces look ok, both forks have started to leak and this did happen after some zealous riding! What I have decided to do is order new parts from Hodaka Parts and they are on there way. Just have the long wait now for the Covid delayed arrival for international parcels! Will update once I have fitted the new parts.
Cheers
Edo