Changing the fork seals pictorial

[Guest]

I had to change my fork seals and took some pictures and put together a pictorial of the process. Here it is: http://www.mediafire.com/?1noxwxrnmjt

If anyone feels something needs to be changed added or whatever let me know and I will gladly edit it.

[Headphase]

Quality write up.

1 question, did you not use the drain screws to drain the fork oil out first then?

[Matchless]

Quality write up.

1 question, did you not use the drain screws to drain the fork oil out first then?

No, I had to change the seals, so it was quicker just pouring the oil out once the forks were removed and less mess.

[hampshirehog]

Nice write up - even my missus could change fork seals now

Might be worth adding in about measuring your springs when you've got them out to make sure that they are in spec.

[Matchless]

Nice write up - even my missus could change fork seals now

Might be worth adding in about measuring your springs when you've got them out to make sure that they are in spec.

I think I did mention that, gave minimum and standard length, but thanks that is a valid comment, seeing it is open and apart.
Keep well.

[Roostabunny]

Good Lord, the picture quality alone makes this a lifesaver, and the timing is perfect! Got my seals and oil just waiting for the day!

Thanks!!

[Suzuki_Don]

Fantastic effort Andre. Great timing as well. My Gs650 front forks (care of EBAY) are in transit from the US as we speak. And I will need to do a full check and oil seal replacement, etc. before I install them on my 550 frame. Cheers. Don.

[Shin-Ken 1074]

Hi Matchless, great work on the oil seal replacement guide. I agree with your view on the oil replacement by volume rather than measure from the top of the fork leg. Good point about not using an air compressor if you have air forks, not on my Katosaurus. When I did have air forks I found using a bicicle pump was very accurate and not much effort and no chance of blowing out the new seals if someone had adjusted the regulator into the stratosphere and you had not checked the dial beforehand, cheers.

[Steve]

My only variation on your write-up is the seal driver. I installed the upper tubes, then slid the seals down over the top. For my seal driver, I used a section of PVC pipe that extends past the end of the upper tube. Since it fit a little tight, I cut a slit along the entire length so ti will slide over the upper tube. That way, any impact at the upper end of the PVC is transmitted to the entire circumference of the seal, so it goes in very straight.

.

[Matchless]

My only variation on your write-up is the seal driver. I installed the upper tubes, then slid the seals down over the top. For my seal driver, I used a section of PVC pipe that extends past the end of the upper tube. Since it fit a little tight, I cut a slit along the entire length so ti will slide over the upper tube. That way, any impact at the upper end of the PVC is transmitted to the entire circumference of the seal, so it goes in very straight.

.

Steve,
If you have a photo of your seal driver, I will gladly add your method, as any DIY innovations or tools for these jobs are always good to have and so many times lost to others who may prefer it or find it easier.

[Matchless]

Fantastic effort Andre. Great timing as well. My Gs650 front forks (care of EBAY) are in transit from the US as we speak. And I will need to do a full check and oil seal replacement, etc. before I install them on my 550 frame. Cheers. Don.

Don,
My pleasure! Hope it helps more people to see that this is not a complex job down , but quite an easy service that can be done at home.
Has you Norton Dominator found a new home yet? What year and model is the GS650 you are rebuilding?
Keep well.

[Matchless]

Good Lord, the picture quality alone makes this a lifesaver, and the timing is perfect! Got my seals and oil just waiting for the day!

Thanks!!

Glad it can be used or helps a bit. If you find anything that can be added or needs changing I will gladly add it.

[1980GS1000E]

Quite a nice piece of work!