Hi there, I just noticed some rust like traces around one of the fork tubes and wanted to check if it is a fork leak before i start pulling the fork apart a it is quite a job turns out.

 

It's not that much of a job, old chap. You can probably do it on the bike, simply remove the sliders, wheel and fender, disconnect the calliper. That rust 'leak' is odd, but removing the sliders will reveal what is going on. It will help greatly to have the FSM!

 

Thanks !

I have the service manual but that is why I was thinking it is a lot of work - I mean this is the only part of the manual I've seen which is something like 10 pages .. tho it might be just the fact it's different for left and right.

Ok in this case does anyone know if the fork lift includes all the parts needed #49378-09 and if it is all the parts for both tubes or just one

Additionally what's the part number for type e hydrolic oil halrey says we should use - can't find it on the list

 

You'll find the right oil on the shelf at your local friendly Harley dealer! Alternatively you can order from Jersey H-D (that's the original Jersey, not the US one!) and VAT-free. Take a look at their website. You can often find details of kit contents by using the H-D USA website, going to the Shop tab.

 

The kit is per side from HD. I've never seen one leak that way, usually the oil accumulates on the tubes. This looks like it was poured into the seal covers. Also fork oil tends to be blackish.

 

Perhaps my how-to thread will help...there are also youtube vids like delboy garage that are pretty good.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...placement.html

It is not a big job as you will see.

 

Thanks everyone I'll check .

Interesting thing is doesn't feel like oil leak as well - tried rubbing it away and the only thing that worked was a bit of steel wool

What else could it be tho I'm thinking maybe there was a water pocket stuck in there and made a bit of a rust leak

Well will drive it for a couple days see if it comes back then it should be oil I guess

 

Pretty easy job replacing the seals, also any fork oil will do, nothing special is needed.

 

That looks more like the chrome beauty cap is rusting underneath. Pop that cover off and take a look. Its not tight to the tubes. You can also pop the rubber dust cover to inspect. The rust may be from a worn dust cover and its the seal reataing ring thats rusting.

 

I agree, looks like rust....also looks like rust along the rim of the slider where the cap seats on the slider. As suggested above, pop the cap and inspect...you may find the source or the cause.