forks - separating outer/inner tubes

[dontlikeoc]

Has anybody changed the fork seals themselves on XS1100s? Is separating the outer and inner tubes alot easier than with other bikes? The Yamaha shop manual makes it sound like keeping the inner tube from spinning when you take out the allen bolt at the bottom of the outer tube will be easy.

I once had a nightmare trying to take them apart myself on a DR650 and given up and taken them to a shop. At the time, I used a home made hex head on a rod and a special tool. I still couldnt do it.

[bikerphil]

If you have a Standard, you can make a holding tool from a bolt and 2 nuts. The Special forks don't need the tool to seperate them. Either one is no big deal. Special seal dimensions are 37X48X10.5

[crazy steve]

I've found that if you pull the damper bolts as the FIRST thing (while the spring is still installed), they come right out and you don't need a 'holder'.

Of course, the forks promptly leak all over everything, but what the hey...

'78E original owner

[Lucien Harpress]

I'll be keeping an eye on this thread, because replacing fork seals is on the top of my "winter maintenance" list.

I plan on following the manual, but my luck I'll still probably run into trouble... we'll see.

[bikerphil]

I've found that if you pull the damper bolts as the FIRST thing (while the spring is still installed), they come right out and you don't need a 'holder'.

You've been very lucky. Can also use an impact gun, 8MM hex for the Standards, 6MM for the Specials.

[Erik the Red]

... Can also use an impact gun....

Or, in the case of some, both the tool and an impact gun. I couldn't get mine out, so I took them to my local mechanic. The impact gun alone just spun the damper rod on the inside. I ended up getting a 3-4' threaded rod, tightened two nuts onto themselves till the sides line up (probably that 8mm size, as I have a Std.) at both ends, held one end with a wrench while the other end was nestled in the damper. Then, and only then, did the impact gun get those little buggers out.

Somewhere on the site is a tip about that tool, but I can't find it right off. If you can't find it, and my description isn't clear, PM me, and I'll go into more detail if you want. The job isn't hard, and you can totally tackle it yourself. You just need to take care with it, same as anything else. Good luck.

[dontlikeoc]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. They are helpful. I ordered seals. Will see if the inner and outer tubes separate easily. Will post the result, prob. in a month or so.