Fork
What is the correct assembly order in slider, first metal washer and then above the oil seal?
I opened the forks and found the oil seal below and the metal washer above.
https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/e...8e8c702cc5dc/y
Paul
Is it better to first insert the stem (slider tube) into the slider and then insert the oil seal?
Or do I first put the oil seal in the sleeve and then insert the stem?
How to insert the oil sel?
Has one side with a step, should this be inserted in the metal washer?
Oil seal lubricated with fork oil?
Last edited by FXWG'80; Mar 24, 2023 at 07:35 AM.
I usually remove the lower leg (slider) from the tube still attached to the upper and lower fork brackets (on the bike), ie not removing the fork tube. As you can see in the previous attached picture, there is a bolt at the bottom of the sliders that release the slider from the tube. Note that when you loosen that bolt the fork oil will drain out so have a catch pan under the tube what removing that bolt. And you will need to loosen the top fork tube cap bolt because you will need to remove it later as that is how you will fill with fork oil. You will likely need to loosen the top fork clamp (top triple tree) to remove the fork cap bolt. Leave the lower ones tight. Not sure on your model how much clearance there is between the handlebars and the top fork tube cap bolt, so that may need to be considered.
Once the lower bolt is removed, remove the seal retaining ring and push the tube up where it stops and then pull down with some force until is stops. After a few attempts the seal will pull out of the slider and remain on the tube as you pull the slider off the tube. Clean everything up and check the bushings for wear and replace as needed. To reassemble, you will need a seal driver. You can purchase one for that size tube, but I usually make one out of PVC pipe but trimming the end so that is slides in the top of the slider but still fits the seal. I cut the PVC driver in half and use regular screw type hose clamps to hold the driver in place while pushing the slider against the seal until it bottoms in the slider. It will take several attempts to get the seal properly seated where the snap ring can be put in place.
To reassemble, use a seal protector, or a thin piece of plastic wrapped around the bottom of the tube to protect the seal and slide the seal and washer onto the tube. Look at how the current seal is installed (what the top of the existing seal looks like - assuming it is correct now). The seal will be flat on the top side and recessed a little on the bottom, lubricate and gently sllde the seal onto the tube.
Once things are back together, you will need to remove the top caps to refill with oil.
Paul
Last edited by pgreer; Mar 24, 2023 at 09:43 AM.
and this side down towards the metal washer (photo 3)
I've done all the work and I'm ready to oil seal....
Last edited by FXWG'80; Mar 25, 2023 at 07:16 AM.







