On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate changing fork seals? One of my forks is a little wet and I want to fix the issue. Is there any special tools needed? I do not have a stock tool kit, but have a decent amount of tools.

Thanks, Matt

 

For me - novice with limited workshop. 2 people (to hold things). I rate this as a 6 out of 10.

Read this and watch the movie....
https://cbrforum.com/forum/cbr-1000f...acement-92961/

The only special tool was the driver and I got PVC pipe from hardware store as per ...

"A fork seal installer is needed (costs $$ though) so I use a 2" PVC pipe shrunk down using zip ties to the diameter of the fork tube "



It's time consuming and but not difficult.

 

Having done this job three times on my bike I'd say it's pretty easy, the only difficulty is compressing the spring to get it all back together.

However the most important thing I learned is that if you want to do it only once ask yourself the question 'why is it leaking?' I had a tiny bit of corrosion on my forks and I mean very slight and they were back leaking within a couple of weeks. I even had a pair of stanchions given to me by Harry the Hamster and they were no good either Eventually I managed to pick up a pair of new stanchions (sliders) and all is now well.

So just make sure there is no pitting/corrosion on the surface to save a lot of time cash and effort.

 

OK, sorry for posting in the wrong area, and thanks for the replies. Thats the thing, I don't know why its leaking, as for corrosion I guess I won't know until I take it apart cause there is none where the eye can see.

Matt

 

How are you planning to get the old seals out? Pull them out with a pick type of tool? Or disassemble the forks completely? If you want to inspect your tubes you need to pull them out. To do this, you will need an air gun, like the guys use who take wheels off cars, with the proper hex tool to undo the srew/bolt that holds the damper rod in the lower leg. You might be able to get a shop to do that for you if you don't have the air gun.
When reasembling, use a stiff wire, coat hanger to pull the damper rod up while your buddy(mate) puts two wrenches between the coils of the spring and pushes down. With your free hand instal the clip washer on top of the spring. It's easy if you have a spare set of hands.

 

Was a time issue for me and quite honestly a bit of a pain in the *** job imo
With my 1990 1000F decided to pay 175 bucks to just have them done......right !

..... mostly because they got bad right in the middle of riding season and didn't
want to miss any good weather riding time

 

As Naga_Thai said , watch this

YouTube - Changing Fork Seals Part 1 (of 3)

 

thanks, i watched all 3. they were a big help