ElectricMotorcycleForum.com
Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: Le Z Turbo on June 28, 2014, 03:03:45 PM
-
On another post I was discussing about my 2013 DS rear shock leaking. Well after 3 mouths I still have no warranty replacement and from what I know the french technician and commercial agent is even not responding to phone calls from my shop !
And now the fork !!! The left side is leaking oil on.... the front brake mounting of course ! Of course it's not the right side, it would have been too easy !
Does someone know where on a e-shop could I find replacement wipers and seals ? Or even shall I took a DNM or a Piaolli or Marzocchi front fork ? Which one will fit ?
It's a pity that the new 2014 fork and shock won't fit to the 2013. Am I right ?
Oh and I forget to mention: I'm ridding ON road with my DS, no freeride !
Have a great weekend !
Laurent
-
The fork is made by FastAce (or is it Fast Ace?), a Taiwanese firm. In the U.S. they specialize in mini-MX motorcycle suspensions. Maybe an internet search will help? No doubt they have a catalog of their suspension offerings and if you can determine the model of your front suspension, perhaps you can order parts directly from them or one of their distributors. ???
-
Check for the leak source in detail. I think you will find your seals are good but the fork is leaking at the casting itself...... Seals may not be the fix.
-
Thank you both for your reply.
I will have a look tomorrow. You mean it could be coming from the junction between the forged part that retain the wheel and the lower fork tube ? I saw on the YouTube video of the Fastace oil change that this lower part can be unscrew from the lower tube ( http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6fTfc5nSepU (http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6fTfc5nSepU) ).
For the seal, on eBay you can find SKF fork oil seal and dust wiper combo for many diameter ( http://www.ebay.fr/itm/2x-SKF-Gabel-Staubkappen-Simmerringe-PAIOLI-38-BETA-EVO-fork-dust-oil-seals-/330601609647?pt=Motorrad_Kraftradteile&hash=item4cf96439af (http://www.ebay.fr/itm/2x-SKF-Gabel-Staubkappen-Simmerringe-PAIOLI-38-BETA-EVO-fork-dust-oil-seals-/330601609647?pt=Motorrad_Kraftradteile&hash=item4cf96439af) ). I don't know if when for example they say "40mm" it's the inner or outer diameter of the seal. The 2013 lower tube is 38mm
-
I've replaced my left fork once already and three days ago have had the problem occur again (on the new, replacement fork). I did not look for the problem in detail. I only went so far as to confirm (1) it was not brake fluid and (2) it was coming from below the fork tube seal (i.e.. not a blown fork seal).
Zero was very quick to get me a replacement fork. Their service was great! It took me all of twenty minutes to change out the fork and I was back on the road.
-
You were right ! The leak is coming from the jonction between the lower tube and the lower casting retaining the wheel.
I'm starting a new post because I discovered that my front wheel could simply go off the bike because the lower tube is actually turning inside this part freely !!! On this new post I will show you the video. Living in France and my dealer having stop Zero distribution I'm a little blocked !!!
Thanks for your help !!!
-
Looks like my left fork is leaking also :(
I could actually see a small amount of oil leak down from the seal. You may also notice the small amount of oil on the right fork. Only 2600km.
Guess I am going to my dealer...
-
Get in touch with Harlan at Hollywood Electrics.
-
My left fork tube is completely dry, but the right fork tube is starting to leak just a little (not as bad as in the There707's photo). Nothing to get excited about right now, but I will need to keep an eye on it. ???
-
Caution Richard ! It may come from the oil seal and wiper but in my case it was coming from the fork breaking apart !!! That's really more dangerous !!!
Check from where it's coming
-
Caution Richard ! It may come from the oil seal and wiper but in my case it was coming from the fork breaking apart !!! That's really more dangerous !!!
Check from where it's coming
My leak is coming from the oil seal. When I saw your warning earlier, I ran out an checked my forks. Thanks for the heads-up.
-
I've been reading this forum to decide if I should buy a zero DS in Australia. I currently ride a vectrix running on lithium cells. I was keen on buying a zero DS and with the current rebates in Australia they are at a reasonable price point. But these quality issues have made me decide to stick with the Vectrix. The leaking/ disintegrating forks seems to be a recurrent issue and hints at quality issues with the componentry. My local zero dealer is 160kms away in Melbourne - and that involves a lot of city driving. It would be extremely inconvenient for me to have to return to the dealer for these sorts of issues - notably if seals or forks are giving out after just a few thousand kms I would be going there 4 or 5 times per year based on my vectrix mileage. I'll stick with the vectrix a bit longer.
-
Brutus, FWIW they changed the suspension for the 2014 bikes, so that may have taken care of the leaking fork issues.
-
Indeed, Zero went with larger diameter Fast Ace front fork tubes which required different triple clamps AND a different head stock on the frame so we 2013 owners can not buy the 2014 parts and mount them up :(
I have yet to hear of anyone having quality/reliability issues with the 2014 suspension.
-
Mine is a 2014 DS. Issue appears to be different than Le Z Turbo in that my forks are not breaking apart, just the seals leaking. With the inverted fork, I can see oil leaking from the seal down the tube. The mechanic at my dealer said it was likely because the seals were filled with too much oil and without the air space, the pressure pushed pass the seal? I am still waiting for official word if this will be covered under warranty. If this is the only quality issue, I am reasonably happy with this motorcycle. My dealer on the other hand is proving to be a challenge.
-
This very thing has now occurred to me.
I have a transferred warranty and am hoping that there is no problem.
For me, I do not feel it is safe to ride. Brake is oily and at less than 50% brake power, which is what led me to discover it!
Are there any other 38mm forks that fit the 2013 DS???
-
My 2012 forks were breaking apart, only internally. The metal shavings that were created from the damage got into the seals and caused them to leak.
-
btw, called Zero, emailed some pics, they are going to replace it under warranty.