Just tore down my forks to fix an oil seal on one side. The oil seal did have a small piece missing so that must be the cause of my leak.

Anyway, my question... The oil seal has a metal spring on it for tension. The one I pulled off had the spring side down towards the ground. I just want to make sure that is correct before I put the new one on. Normally I would put the new one on the same way the old one came off but I don't trust that the moron (that would be me) that put the last one on did it right because I don't remember even paying attention to it. I'm sure I did but I don't remember.

Also, I didn't do this the last time, but might it help to put something on the inside and outside edges of the seal before I reassemble to maybe help it seat easier? Any recommendations? Maybe just smear some fork oil on both sides?

 

You are correct, spring side is down.

A couple tips:

Apply a thin film of grease on the tubes to help you slide the seals down without damage.

Put plastic sandwich bags over the tops of the tubs to reduce the chance of damage when you first slide the seals over the top edges.