HydraGlide Forks

[Bigincher]

I need to rebuild a couple sets of HydraGlide forks pretty soon.
I see two seal kits offered by James--- one has the felt washers like OEM, and the other has a steel spacer.
Supposedly the kit with the steel spacer is better than the original felt washer style.
Anyone have any input on this subject..?

Thanks in Advance...

[RUBONE]

Bigincher,
Cannot say from experience on the steel spacer type on an early fork, however looking at the kit it appears to have a double lip seal in it rather than the thin single lip like the original. The double lip style are used stock on the '78 and later style forks and work really well on them. Should seal better!
Robbie

[Bigincher]

Thanks Robbie..!
One of the fork sets I have had the double-lip seals in it, and the other set had the old felt washers with the single-lip seals.
I was just looking for some input as to what other peoples experience is with each type.
I guess I'll use one of each and I'll be a test bed..!
But my instinct is to use the felt washer and single-lip seal.....

[caschnd1]

I put new bushings in my fork legs about a year ago. New fork tubes from Forking By Frank. I went with the double lip seal. This is the longest I've gone without a fork seal leak. Hard to say if it was because of the need for bushings, the new fork tubes or the double lip seals. Probaly a little of everything.

-Craig

[Bigincher]

Thanks very much for the input, caschnd1...!
Much appreciated.

[indianut]

A Single Lip Seal keeps grease in. A Double Lip Seal keeps grease in and dirt out. That is the Only Difference.

[Panacea]

Probably not even noticeable on these old machines, but I did notice some "sticktion" on my glide forks using the seals with the felts. They seem to drag on the tubes a bit. I don't know why the felts would be needed, especially with the upper tubes concealed within the slider covers keeping them clear of bugs and dirt, the enemies of the fork seal...

[Bigincher]

Danny, Mike.... thanks for the input...!