Front fork rebuild
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,802
Likes: 7,829
From: SE Louisiana
From the front suspension thread
"Did your solenoid have the grounding block attached to it? I am guessing I can just attach the wires that were on the block to the lead that grounds out to the riser."
Attach them together and to the top tree, adding a ground from the tree to the frame helps on the electrical side.
"Did your solenoid have the grounding block attached to it? I am guessing I can just attach the wires that were on the block to the lead that grounds out to the riser."
Attach them together and to the top tree, adding a ground from the tree to the frame helps on the electrical side.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,528
Likes: 933
From: Long Island
Just a thought here,if ur gonna change out the springs,why not change over to their cartridges instead.Get rid of all the air crap,and no more leaking seals.Mine handles better since the upgrade and tracks straight again.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,894
Likes: 8,002
From: poway
The allen bolt inside the lower leg is METRIC. If you don't own, buy a decent set of long reach metric allen sockets to get the job done.
The impact gun works good, but the FSM tells you to take the fender off before loosening the bolts in the lower legs. I always get the bolts broken loose before fender removal, fender holds the legs from spinning.
I have used the PVC pipe as a seal driver than I found a youtube where a guy uses a bunch of electrical tape, works better and is easier, just you waste some tape. Buy the cheap stuff from harbor Freight and have at it.
Easy DYI Fork Seal Install - electrical tape - YouTube
The impact gun works good, but the FSM tells you to take the fender off before loosening the bolts in the lower legs. I always get the bolts broken loose before fender removal, fender holds the legs from spinning.
I have used the PVC pipe as a seal driver than I found a youtube where a guy uses a bunch of electrical tape, works better and is easier, just you waste some tape. Buy the cheap stuff from harbor Freight and have at it.
Easy DYI Fork Seal Install - electrical tape - YouTube
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 3,070
From: Brighton, MI
Thats how I did mine. Nothing special regarding tools. Impact helps to remove the allen bolt as you need something that spins fast. Replace those copper sealing washers on the allen bolt .
I bought a kit from drag specialties that has all the wearable items like the bushings, seals, washers,snap ring etc. After removal, I think the thing that took the longest was the cleaning of all the parts. I just used degreaser, soap and water to get all the grime out of the sliders. Then blow dry.
MIght be a good time to clean up/polish up the lowers also. I did mine at about 35k and the bushings looked fine, but I replaced them anyways. I did use.
I bought a kit from drag specialties that has all the wearable items like the bushings, seals, washers,snap ring etc. After removal, I think the thing that took the longest was the cleaning of all the parts. I just used degreaser, soap and water to get all the grime out of the sliders. Then blow dry.
MIght be a good time to clean up/polish up the lowers also. I did mine at about 35k and the bushings looked fine, but I replaced them anyways. I did use.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 933
Likes: 677
From: Ohio
This is a cheap seal driver that worked fine for my 49mm forks.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1314545...search_click=1
I also got the fork vice blocks and they worked fine.
I can see that the heavier metal ones would be better.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1314545...search_click=1
I also got the fork vice blocks and they worked fine.
I can see that the heavier metal ones would be better.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 579
Likes: 117
From: New Baltimore, MI
Last edited by ShrinerRider; Feb 28, 2023 at 07:13 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,561
Likes: 7,912
From: Long Island, New York
No way would I use tape to make a seal driver. If you get a rebuild kit that has a spare washer that goes between the seal and upper bushing, it might work if you rest it on the seal and drive it with wrapped tape.. Tape by itself will likely damage the seal.. 1 1 /2 PVC with the ends cut square is a better idea.. Split it down the middle with a hacksaw..
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 507
From: Florida
DO the bushings. I'd use OEM bushings, clearance to the tube will be on the bottom clearance number. Went through this awhile back and tried the "off" brand ones. Clearance was on high side , which allows for more tube , slider slop. Just my experience.
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I have the PVC piece, used it for years. It worked by always a bit of a PITA. The tape I wrapped it until it was the thickness of the seal and of course it is soft. If does not move or slide, make very quick work of the installation. Zero chance of it damaging the seal. Will use this method in the future, give it a try.
Ride safe!
