Fork Question

[crazy steve]

...so can I use the fork tubes from my spare set of standard forks to replace them while using the guts and sliders from my special tubes?

Besides what Phil mentioned (mechanical differences in the design), the standard fork tubes are about 4" shorter than the special tubes...

[Toolmaker Tim]

Yes, Rasputin, I can screw it up.

I guess I will be ordering new seals. When I went to install them they buckled and deformed. I am thinking I put them in upside down. So much for me handling a simple repair. I'll order new seals and try again.

[bikerphil]

Are you saying that the seal buckled when installing into the lower leg or when installing the stanchion tube?

[Toolmaker Tim]

Seating them into the lower leg. They were super tight, so they twisted and ripped. I also wonder if there is a diffence between standard and Special seals.

[bikerphil]

Seating them into the lower leg. They were super tight, so they twisted and ripped. I also wonder if there is a diffence between standard and Special seals.

Yes there is, I hope you didn't try to drive in the Standard seals, they are 1MM larger O.D. You need 37X48X10.5 for the Special.

[Toolmaker Tim]

Yes, I am that dumb

Thank you for solving that problem, I'll get the correct seals and try again.

[Toolmaker Tim]

Ok, I just ordered a set of special seals from George Fix. Try again

[bikerphil]

Thank you for solving that problem, I'll get the correct seals and try again.

Lol, you're welcome, it oughta be way easier installing them this time.

[Toolmaker Tim]

Easier?

Putting them in maybe, I going to get one of those seal pullers and hope the ones I tried to put in come out easy. Now where was that garage stud I was using to pound my head against?

[Schming]

Cheap Seal Puller...

...can be aquired here:

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalog...?q=seal+puller

Also this might help:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trks...river&_sacat=0

GL

[Toolmaker Tim]

Seal Pullers

Thanks Schming, but they came out easily. A little pry with a screw driver and out they came. New seals will be here tomorrow judging by the USPS tracker. so we will give it another whirl. Always an adventure.

[Toolmaker Tim]

I Hate Forks

Went to install the springs after reassembling the forks all prepared to have to wrestle the fork caps back on....... and nothing. Checked the Clymer manual and they tell me the springs should be 24.10" minumium free lenght, mine are 23.8" free length. Ok, it's only .3 short, and it is an air assisted fork. Do I or should I add a spacer?

[bikerphil]

Yes, adding spacers will help some, but is just a band-aid for sacked springs. I would put at least a 1/4" PVC spacer and an extra washer so it doesn't ride directly on the spring. You can make a tool like this from 2X2 to install the air caps...