Fork Dust seal, ride without?

[Bob R]

After a nice ride yesterday I spent some time today doing other things and then turned my attention to the bike (2013 R3T). I found a broken plastic ring hanging out on my right fork tube. From looking at the manual I figured out it is the dust seal.

What is the consensus on riding for a bit without the dust seal knowing that soon it will need to be replaced....tearing down the forks. I figured if I have to take one apart I may as well do both of them and if I am doing that get some progressive springs.

So what says the hive, ride without the dust seal or not.

bob

 

[ruzzle]

Stick a BIT of silicone on the outside surface and push it back into place.

 

[Bob R]

I'm not sure this one will work like that, it is broken which is why it slid out of place. I may try it though, thanks for the suggestion.

bob

 

[1olbull]

Bob,
If you reckon on doing new seals & fluid anyway, and you currently have no fluid weepage, I like @ruzzle idea.
Keeping it covered with some silicone should get you through the riding season.

 

[concours]

Not a dust seal.
It's a slider to keep the stainless shroud aligned & not dragging.
One of mine snapped in half.... contact cement for the pieces back onto the lower leg.

 

[atomsplitter]

Just for giggles this is the exploded view of the Touring forks: Item #13 is the dust seal, Item #18 is an "abrasion clip." My assumption is you are inquiring about #18 if concours is correct.