Fork seals
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Northeast PA
Fork seals
Starting some work on a 76 xlch soon, while it is still winter. Want to get everything done I can for spring so I can ride. One of the repairs I need to do is replace the fork seals. I have already picked up a fork seal kit from the dealer. I do have the factory repair manual. However, still looking for any advice, tips, tricks, tools, etc. that might help do it right.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Georgia
RE: Fork seals
You may need to spin the allen screw (the one at the bottom of the tube that is revealed by taking the wheel off) really FAST (as in impact-driver-fast) in order to break it free from the damper, otherwise it will spin endlessly. Also, when I replace the fork seals on my '77, I found out that the top of the fork tubes are tapered a bit, (like a sharpened pencil w/o the led).They were "stuck", soonce I loosened the clamping screws on the bottem tree, I loosened the top nut a few threads and then knocked the top nut with a rubber mallat to free it up.
Rich
Rich
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RE: Fork seals
[quote]ORIGINAL: pyro
You may need to spin the allen screw (the one at the bottom of the tube that is revealed by taking the wheel off) really FAST (as in impact-driver-fast) in order to break it free from the damper, otherwise it will spin endlessly.
With mine i loosened the bottom allen screw first before i took the cap off,ithad enough tension from the spring to stop it from turning, maybe it wasnt tight enough i dont know give it a try any way.You maywant to replace the wear rings on the damper while its out, and lightly oil the seal before installing it. Paul
You may need to spin the allen screw (the one at the bottom of the tube that is revealed by taking the wheel off) really FAST (as in impact-driver-fast) in order to break it free from the damper, otherwise it will spin endlessly.
With mine i loosened the bottom allen screw first before i took the cap off,ithad enough tension from the spring to stop it from turning, maybe it wasnt tight enough i dont know give it a try any way.You maywant to replace the wear rings on the damper while its out, and lightly oil the seal before installing it. Paul
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From: Northeast PA
RE: Fork seals
Still have not had time to start this yet. Free time seems to be very scarce these days. Hopefully I will start it this weekend.
Anyway, I have beengoing overthe work in my head. Trying to think it through before I start.The one thing that I have been wondering is, do I even have to take the upper fork tubes off the bike? Can I just remove the lowers, replace everything and reinstall with the uppers left in the fork clamps on the bike? Looking at the manual it looks like everything should come out of the bottom of the upper tube.
Anyway, I have beengoing overthe work in my head. Trying to think it through before I start.The one thing that I have been wondering is, do I even have to take the upper fork tubes off the bike? Can I just remove the lowers, replace everything and reinstall with the uppers left in the fork clamps on the bike? Looking at the manual it looks like everything should come out of the bottom of the upper tube.
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RE: Fork seals
The upper tubes can stay on.Its a very simple taske.i have Showa forks.The hardest part will be getting the old seal out.
Removewheel,undo little drain screw out the side of forks,drain oil.
i then removed the screw holding the damper in,there will bea little bit oftension on the damper from the springwhich may help to undo the screw, then dissasemble as per manual.I had my forks done in a couple of hours. Very easy.
Removewheel,undo little drain screw out the side of forks,drain oil.
i then removed the screw holding the damper in,there will bea little bit oftension on the damper from the springwhich may help to undo the screw, then dissasemble as per manual.I had my forks done in a couple of hours. Very easy.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Northeast PA
RE: Fork seals
Well, I finally found some time to take care of the fork seals. You were all correct. The hardest part was pulling the old seals out.
One thing I would like to let others know is that when I pulled the forks apart I found that the allen bolts at the bottom of the fork tubes had been covered with what I believe is blue silicone Permatex. I assumed that who ever worked on the bike before I bought it, used it to help hold the bolts in place and reduce the chance that they could back out. Seemed like a good idea, so I put it back together the same way.
Again, thanks to all of you for the advise. Don't know what I was worried about. Now I have to start on all the other repairs, rocker box leak, carbon fouling, valve adjustments, timing, etc...
I will keep you all up to date on my progress.
One thing I would like to let others know is that when I pulled the forks apart I found that the allen bolts at the bottom of the fork tubes had been covered with what I believe is blue silicone Permatex. I assumed that who ever worked on the bike before I bought it, used it to help hold the bolts in place and reduce the chance that they could back out. Seemed like a good idea, so I put it back together the same way.
Again, thanks to all of you for the advise. Don't know what I was worried about. Now I have to start on all the other repairs, rocker box leak, carbon fouling, valve adjustments, timing, etc...
I will keep you all up to date on my progress.
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