Ducati Monster Forum

Hey There,
 So, one of my fork seals is blown, normally I would let this go, but it's bad enough that the oil is all over the brake caliper and so probably not the best recipe for safety. QUestion is: How hard is it to replace these yourself? What's involved? I have low level skills and basic tools. Is this something I can tackle or should I just suck up the cost and have a professional do it?

I think have a pro take care of it. Have them check the brake pads on that caliper too. If oil soaked, the pads are probably ruined unless its minor exposure to oil and they clean up. You might want to consider both forks getting seals and a service.

What he said . . . and don't even think of re-using the pads, replace them, stat!!!

Would be a good time to have them set up for your weight and riding style . . .

 A product called "seal mate" can buy you some time, if you read the instructions online you can make your own.
 I am a dyed in the wool do it myselfer, butt when my forks needed refreshing I took the legs to a pro for a proper once over and I am very glad that I did! It is really worth the minimal expense as far as I'm concerned!

Low level skills and basic tools wont work. You'll need a spring compressor, a fork oil level tool and a fork seal driver at least. You also need to know how to reinstall the fork cap (noted below).

You need to preset the rebound screw to the proper amount of clicks, lightly tighten the cap down, back the adjuster out so that you dont damage the needle and then torque the cap to the damper rod assembly.

A bench vise would help as well.

If you plan of doing it often, then it might be worth the investment. Otherwise, pass it to a suspension guy.

This could also be a good opportunity to install proper springs for your weight and upgrade the valving.

Its difficult to say whether or not you can do it without knowing your skill, tools, etc.   I would say the fewer tools the more difficult it is and the complexity is enough that if you are asking a forum if you can do it, you probably cant (not trying to be a dick, just generalizing from personal experience).   There are a ton of youtube videos and DIY threads around the net that go over replacing fork seals and they don't need to be specific to your bike to get a feel for what you would need to do in general, so look around and see if you are up to it.

Realistically, if this is your only bike and wrenching isn't a hobby for you, you wont be saving money by buying all the specialty tools needed to do the job easily/properly.  take it to a shop and get them to do it.  while the forks are apart you can also talk to them about mods you may have considered but dismissed because of the labor involved.  new springs, cartridge kits, fork tube anodizing...lots of stuff that you can roll in with the fork seals and double up the return of the labor you are already paying.

To be clear, Im not saying dont ever work on your bike if you dont already - you gotta start somewhere. This just isn't a good place to start.

be aware that oil all over the caliper means you definitely need new pads and at the very least a thoroughly cleaned rotor (potentially new rotors). When it comes to a blown fork seal (really any leaking fluid), don't ever "let it go".    Its not like its gonna get better on its own and it can only lead to more things breaking down and more $$$ when you do decide to fix it.