Author Topic: Suspension leak? (Read 4411 times)

dizanott · « **on:** April 19, 2005, 02:29:23 AM »

okay, after closer inspection of my bike, it would appear that my "gas runoff" topic was in error, because the spot on the ground wasn't below those 2 tubes as much as i thought. it looks as though the drip is coming from the bottom most bolt holding my rear suspension. the fluid appears to be a clear wd-40ish oil/lubricant. my friend thought that maybe the suspension is leaking? the bike has 9600 miles on it, and i am unsure if the suspension has had any work. any thoughts?

PeteSC · « **Reply #1 on:** April 19, 2005, 09:32:58 AM »

I don't remember hearing of any OEM shocks leaking, but who knows?
If the shock IS leaking, I doubt there's any way to fix it.
You can probably buy a used OEM shock,cheap, or ugrade the rear shock.
If for some reason it's an aftermarket shock.....you can probably get it fixed at the manufacturer.

The only other 'wet stuff' I can think of back there, is drainage from the air box. I have a K and N filter, and usually get some pinkish liquid running out when I pull the cap off of the drain hose.
Of course, that's the color of the K and N oil..........
I'm pretty sure the B6 should also have a little cap on the end of the airbox drain hose.

B12Teuton · « **Reply #2 on:** April 20, 2005, 02:06:25 PM »

Could it be from the countershaft?? Either stuff flung up in there from the chain, or if you damaged the countershaft seal (running chain too tight) it could be oil.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Unlikely, but not impossible that your shock is blown out.

dizanott · « **Reply #3 on:** April 21, 2005, 01:26:06 PM »

(newb) what is the countershaft?

for a little more troubleshooting... the drippage appears to be coming off the bolt at the bottom of the shock. it looks like it's collecting by coming out from under the actual spring, collecting on the bolt that connects the shock to the linkage arm. really looks like it's seaping out the bottom of the spring. thanks for all the help guys, this forum is gonna become a big part of my motorcycle life i'm sure.

tacoman · « **Reply #4 on:** April 21, 2005, 02:41:04 PM »

The countershaft is the shaft which comes off the motor to drive the front sprocket. Its hard to diagnose wet spots under the bike as oil will run and wind will blow it back. If your shock is leaking, you will know it in a few miles as it will lose damping. Push the tail of the bike up and down. Does it stop immediately or keep bouncing? If your shock has leaked, be careful. Lack of damping affects steering really bad.

terrebandit · « **Reply #5 on:** April 21, 2005, 10:19:54 PM »

Are you sure its not brake fluid coming from the rear brake reservoir on the right rear (sitting) side of the bike? It would be the color you describe. Its also corrosive so you need to get that fixed.

Dave

dizanott · « **Reply #6 on:** April 25, 2005, 02:21:34 AM »

that sounds like a possibility. i have an appointment scheduled to go into the mechanic next week, so i can hopefully find out for sure. hopefully it's an easy fix...

dizanott · « **Reply #7 on:** April 25, 2005, 05:10:46 PM »

i think the brake thing is it. my rear brake pedal feels very soft before it finally catches, which is what my car did when i was having brake problems. i havn't had time to look at the bike today (stupid work), but I'm thinking that this sounds like a very very possible scenario. thanks for the help!