How to remove 1983 GS450A fork springs

[Anonymous]

Hello,

I was looking for some info regarding a GS450A front end. I am working on a GS450A, vintage 1983 and need to change the fork tubes. I can not get the air valve loose (yes these are air shocks) to remove the fork springs.

I did a search of the site looking for info but nothing directly related that I found.

The owners manual has no info except you can charge them with nitrogen instead of air, and the clymer and haynse suzuki small twin books dont appear to have any detailed info on the GS450A, and I dont have a manual here.

This is not my bike and I am doing this for someone. If you have ANY info that can be useful, I would be most appreciative..

To recap:

the bike is a 1983 GS450A with air forks

I have the forks off
I have the tubes out of the forks

I CANNOT get the air valve loose to release the guts of the springs/cartridge.

My local suzuki dealer has been especially helpless when it had come to ordering anything for this bike I dare not ask a technical question.

I am hoping someone here can assist with the removal info.

Please feel free to respond here, PM or Email.

Thank you very much.

Regards,
Larry

[focus frenzy]

the entire cap screws off, it is best to have them still clamped in the tripple trees.
they can be a pain to break loose, but patience pays off in the end.

[Anonymous]

The caps are off the top of the tubes.

What I am working with now is trying to remove the spring/cylinder from the upper tube.

This appears to require that I remove the airvalve ( the air valve turns along with part of the cylinder inside the upper fork tube) when the air valve is turning the retainer plate remains stationary. this leads me to believe the air valve must separate from the air cylinder to allow it to drop loose of the upper fork tube.

Thank you.
Larry

[Anonymous]

If I remember, I had to push down on the air vavle disk while a friend removed that retaining clip. It was a bitch.

If you have a fax machine I will fax you the pages from my factory service manual.

[Billy Ricks]

With the fork fully extended push down with the biggest screwdriver you have on the cap inside the top of the fork tube. Then use a very small screwdriver to get under and pry out the clip.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the help so far Focus, Long Biker and Billy Ricks. I will try the advice provided. I will post when Im successful.

Long Biker, please check your PM.

Regards,
Larry

[Anonymous]

Thanks again all, I have gotten it taken care of and the tubes removed and replaced. I would love to know the oil capacity for the refill if anyone knows that, If its in the ownwers manual I will find out in a few mins, I have one of those for this bike.

Thanks again and this is a great board, the suzuki riders have a great resource here, keep up the good work!

regards,
Larry

[Billy Ricks]

The fluid level should be in the manual. It will be given in capacity and distance from the top of the tube with the fork compressed and spring removed. Be sure to pump the fork a little to get oil past the oil lock piece on the damper.

[Anonymous]

Larry,

Check your fax machine.....

[Anonymous]

Thanks again everyone, Longbiker, the faxes were very helpful indeed!

Regards,
Larry