Fork seal replacement. Any advice?
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FORK SEALS
I find the best thing to do with forks is remove them from the bike and take them to a suspension guy for repair. That way you save on the labour to remove them, and the cost of getting them done is usually not much more than what it'll cost you for oil and the new seals. There is also the added bonus that the suspension tech might be able to revalve them for you so the bike handles better. If you really want to do them yourself get a workshop manual first and study it up, you may need to make the odd special tool as well. Don't be put off though, I often find that one of the most enjoyable things about owning a bike is working on it, when your not riding.
I find the best thing to do with forks is remove them from the bike and take them to a suspension guy for repair. That way you save on the labour to remove them, and the cost of getting them done is usually not much more than what it'll cost you for oil and the new seals. There is also the added bonus that the suspension tech might be able to revalve them for you so the bike handles better. If you really want to do them yourself get a workshop manual first and study it up, you may need to make the odd special tool as well. Don't be put off though, I often find that one of the most enjoyable things about owning a bike is working on it, when your not riding.
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Not really. Forks are very straight forward to work on. Make sure you either get a fork seal driver, or use a long piece of PVC pipe to drive the seal in. Also check the parts diagrams for other parts that might need replacing (bushings etc.) You will also need a GOOD set of snap-ring pliers.
A tip I have is to use a Ziploc (or any other sandwich bag) to place over the fork tube. Coat the outside of the bag and tube liberally w/fork oil, then gently slide the seal over the bag and onto the tube. That will save damaging the fork seal and possibly having to do it twice (don't ask me how I know this!)
- Nut
job done...update
Just thought I'd post an update. The two shops in my area that I called both quoted me over $200 + parts to do the job, so I bit the bullet and dove in. 2 days later, $75 in parts (including new brake pads) and all seems well...no leaks, better handling, etc. I had to make a couple tools, but that was part of the fun. So if you're in need of new seals, I say save the shop cost (and down time) and do it yer darn self.
Just thought I'd post an update. The two shops in my area that I called both quoted me over $200 + parts to do the job, so I bit the bullet and dove in. 2 days later, $75 in parts (including new brake pads) and all seems well...no leaks, better handling, etc. I had to make a couple tools, but that was part of the fun. So if you're in need of new seals, I say save the shop cost (and down time) and do it yer darn self.
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