77 fxe front end
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77 fxe front end
So i have a 1977 fxe with a 35mm front end. I just got done rebuilding it and when i put it all back together it was leaking oil out of the top seal of the lower leg were the tubes go throw. As far i i know they are the stock tubes do you guys thing i need to buy new tubes maybe there worn. or did i mess something up?
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 272
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From: Salem, Oregon
What did you use to put the new seal in? If you have the proper tools then it just may be a defective seal. If you use a punch and hammer then you probably dented the tube or damaged the seal and will need to be replaced. I use to use the punch and hammer method and after ruining 2 fork tubes, I figured it's cheaper to buy the right tool! I also figured out you can use the appropriate size of Schedule 40 PVC a few inches longer than the tubes as the 'tool'.
Hope this helps ya!!
jim
Hope this helps ya!!
jim
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 272
Likes: 1
From: Salem, Oregon
The PVC pipe works well! When you have it apart inspect the area where the seal slides on the tube. If there are any flaws, nicks, scratches, etc you may need to replace the tubes. Are you using seals from HD? I do and the only times I have problems sealing is when I screw up on the installation of the seal or it gets worn out. 2 of my bikes have raked frames so they're a little harder on seals.
As a side note, you might want to replace all the slider bushings. If they have been in there since day 1 they could be worn and causing too much play so the seal cant do it's job.
jim
As a side note, you might want to replace all the slider bushings. If they have been in there since day 1 they could be worn and causing too much play so the seal cant do it's job.
jim
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 272
Likes: 1
From: Salem, Oregon
OOPs! Yer's is a 77 so it aint got none!! I was thinkin of 84 and later forks. Bummer cuz they are cheaper to replace than sliders that are worn out.
Anyway, I'ld check the fitment of tube inside the slider without a seal in it to see if they are too loose.
The book doesn't give a measurement for too much. It just says "1973 and later sliders do not have removable bushings. If slider is worn to excessive looseness on fork tube, slider must be replaced".
Sorry about the misleading info there!!!
Ya might hafta take 'Twisted Biker' up on his offer or at least keep it in mind!!
jim
Anyway, I'ld check the fitment of tube inside the slider without a seal in it to see if they are too loose.
The book doesn't give a measurement for too much. It just says "1973 and later sliders do not have removable bushings. If slider is worn to excessive looseness on fork tube, slider must be replaced".
Sorry about the misleading info there!!!
Ya might hafta take 'Twisted Biker' up on his offer or at least keep it in mind!!
jim
Last edited by msgtarmor; May 1, 2012 at 03:03 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Niles Canyon Ca.
I'm in Cal. unfortunately , you may have just damaged the sealing lip on the seal . Those tubes unless they have rusted a bit or have been damaged in some way are pretty hard to hurt wear wise the lower legs got before the tubes do most times . The early front took less oil too so maybe recheck that ?
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