Fork seal replacement

[LoftCol]

Good afternoon, just discovered that the oil seal has gone on the front right hand side fork. I am planning to change them both, how do I identify which type of forks I have. The brake calipers are held in place by a single bolt the screws up from the bottom. The wheel shaft is clamped on the right-hand side and castle nut on the left.
Thanks for any advice

[bikerphil]

Those forks are from a Special, 79-81. Midnight Special 81 is different and won't fit. 37X48X10.5 is the size of the seal for your forks.

[LoftCol]

Brilliant, thanks. I will get some ordered. Are then other seals I should think about replacing while they are out? Thanks

[bikerphil]

No other seals, just the oil seal and the dust boot on the top. The dust boot is usually ok unless it is cracked.

[LoftCol]

Sorry, one other question. Does anyone know what size the clip should be that sits on top of the seal? It looks like both mine are missing. I am thinking the same size as the outer diameter of the seal.

Thanks

[DiverRay]

It should be just OVER the size of the seal, as it needs to fit snugly into the grove in the top of the fork. Here is the Yamaha part number : 34X-23156-00-00 . . CLIP, OIL SEAL . Looking at the number it MIGHT be a 56mm outside diameter. I would measure to be sure, but you can buy the inside snap rings at most hardware stores.

[DEEBS11]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/19652516624...SABEgKcxfD_BwE

[LoftCol]

Looking at the manual there should be a seal spacer underneath the seal, have looked on eBay UK cannot find one. Does anyone know the dimensions of this spacer so that I can find something that would suit? Thanks

[skids]

FYI, block the bike from the bottom before you remove the caps and springs from the fork tubes if you have to use the side stand. Bad stuff can otherwise happen.

[bikerphil]

I'm trying to remember correctly, I believe the spacer you are referring to is made of thin metal and gets destroyed when removing the seal. I used a metal washer only under the seal, which may need to be driven in further in now. Then I fabricated a spacer made of PVC pipe and sized to fit under the spring clip.

There is a good chance the seals on your forks have been replaced so who knows what's in there.

Note: This spacer only applies to the Special leading axle forks. Standard model forks are entirely different.

[LoftCol]

Thanks for the tip, bikerphil. Easier to make and fit a spacer to fit over the top than underneath, especially if I use pvc tube.

Skids, i jacked the bike off the the ground to remove the forks as it only has a side stand, thanks anyway.