What are the effects of motorcycle shock absorber oil leakage?
2 Answers
If the shock absorber shows signs of oil leakage, its damping capability will decrease, and the comfort of the motorcycle will also be reduced. If oil leakage occurs in the shock absorber, it is recommended to replace it immediately. Shock absorbers are essentially wear-and-tear parts, and the probability of oil leakage increases with prolonged use. Below are the reasons for shock absorber oil leakage and some precautions: 1. Reduced sealing performance: Oil leakage in the shock absorber is due to the decreased sealing performance of the oil seal. This reduction is caused by dirt and debris on the shock absorber, which rub against the oil seal during compression or rebound, eventually leading to the loss of the seal's effectiveness over time. 2. Replacing the shock absorber: Once oil leakage occurs in the shock absorber, it cannot be repaired and must be replaced. It is advisable to choose products from reputable brands when replacing the shock absorber. 3. Dust cover: The shock absorber is equipped with a dust cover, which is crucial for its protection. The dust cover is made of rubber, and rubber products can deteriorate over time. If the dust cover is damaged or shows signs of aging, it should be replaced immediately. A damaged dust cover allows dirt to come into contact with the shock absorber, leading to oil seal wear. Dust covers are also prone to damage, so it is important to pay attention to them during regular use. 4. Cleaning dirt: During routine maintenance, it is recommended to clean any dirt or debris from the shock absorber to extend its lifespan.
I've been using this motorcycle for over three years, and recently noticed some oil leakage from the shock absorber. Honestly, the impact is significant. Every time I go over speed bumps or rough roads, my butt gets painfully jolted, especially causing discomfort in my lower back. Yesterday while riding through mountain curves, I clearly felt the rear wheel losing grip, and the braking distance has noticeably increased. The mechanic said oil leakage reduces shock absorption effectiveness by up to 80%, and prolonged neglect could wear out internal fork components completely - at that point, simply replacing oil seals won't fix it. Now I have to slow down and avoid even small road pebbles, really missing that smooth riding feeling when the suspension worked properly. By the way, leaked oil getting on brake discs is particularly dangerous - last week I almost crashed because of this.
