I really need some help, I'm replacing my fork seals on my F2, first time on this bike. I cannot get the fork seals to set, I'm using a pvc pipe and with the old fork seal on top, because I don't have an actual setter but I have been pounding on it all afternoon and cannot get it to drop more than just a little below the rim of the outer part of the fork. The video's I've watched make it look pretty quick and easy. I even tried to put the old seal back on and ran into the same difficulty so it's not an issue with the wrong size. Am I doing something wrong? Do I just need to get a fork seal setter? Any help would be much appreciated I wanted to get this done this weekend so I can ride to work next week. Thanks

 

I use a socket from my tool kit as a drift. Just a matter of finding one that won't score the internal fork wall, but wide enough to fit to close to the outer limits of the seal. As you near the limits of the where the socket goes to the rim of the fork, I put the extension bit in the end of the socket & tap on that. I use a rubber mallet. Lube up the seal with some fork oil so its slippery. I know the paranoia that goes with replacing them & not wanting to warp the seal & have found the socket have a wide enough lip so you can pound on the buggers without damaging them.

 

I finally figured it out, the bushing wasn't setting right so I had to pinch it with two screw drivers and set it down in at the same time, another hand would have been nice for that project! After I did that, it was super easy to set the seal, just a couple taps and it was down.

 

Speaking of an extra pair of hands. Getting the caps back in after you have reinstalled the springs is one time you wish you could grow an extra arm.

 

Seriously! That part actually took three people for me. My girlfriend holding the stanchion tube up, my roommate pushing down on the cap and me spinning it with a wrench when it was down far enough. It was easy with that many people but I only had them help after I unsuccessfully wrestled it for a half an hour. You'd think they'd make it at least a little easier.

 

You may have damaged the new seal.