Topic: Replace fork seals w/ tubes in trees?

[Dr. Noisewater]

So the other day I rode my "completed" project bike to work, a barn find CB550f. It seems the freeway riding and various bumps finally pushed the factory fork seals over the edge. Now both forks are gushing fluid. No problem, just ordered a fresh set of OEM fork seals. I'm planning to do the job next Sunday, but I want to gain as much info as possible beforehand. I've done a lot of reading/watching vids so I have a pretty good understanding of what to do.

My question is, what would be wrong with leaving the fork tubes installed in the trees? I'm wondering because I'm running clip-ons and aftermarket ears for the headlight. That means I have a lot more stuff bolted to the fork tubes and by leaving them in place I could save a lot of time. I searched and found a thread on this but it got off topic and seemed everyone who replied was running factory bars/headlight ears, and thought that doing something slightly different was blasphemy.

Here's what I'm thinking:
- Drain forks of oil
- Jack up front of bike, remove wheel/caliper/speedo stuff
- Loosen/remove allen bolt in bottom of fork lower
- Slide bottoms off the tubes
- Remove seal, clean lowers inside/out, inspect tubes for scratches
- Install new seal
- Slide bottoms onto tubes
- Tighten allen bolt 14 ft/lbs
- Reinstall wheel and stuff, put it on the ground, refill with fork oil
- Hit the twisties!

Anybody see any issues with this method? I don't see a need to remove the tubes unless you want to really wipe out the insides.

[Stev-o]

No prob, except keep the front wheel off the ground when you refill the fork oil.
How old are your springs? If you don't know, it would be a good idea to do that too.

I just replaced springs/seals yesterday, but my whole front end is off.
A very small C-clamp removed the old seal very easily.

[martin99]

Yep, sounds feasible if you can jack it up high enough. Personally I'd do it the usual way, clip-ons aren't that big a deal IMO.

[Powderman]

No prob, except keep the front wheel off the ground when you refill the fork oil.
How old are your springs? If you don't know, it would be a good idea to do that too.

I just replaced springs/seals yesterday, but my whole front end is off.
A very small C-clamp removed the old seal very easily.

Explain the process with the C clamp?

[754]

It works but take the fender off..

[Dr. Noisewater]

Yeah forgot to mention the fender..

The main reason I don't want to remove my clip-ons is because the Allen bolts that secure them are very soft and I'd rather not tamper with them anymore. The heads are almost rounded out.

The springs are brand new progressive springs. I was hoping to get away with fresh springs/oil and not have to deal with seals for now.. then the seals blew.

I would also like to hear more about the C-clamp method.

[Stev-o]

I would also like to hear more about the C-clamp method.

The C-clamp i used is small, only 2.25" tall, not including the screw, a larger one I had would not work.
Insert the top of the clamp into the lower under the seal and the other end of the clamp on the fork and tighten. Work your way around and it will pop right out.

[Dr. Noisewater]

Awesome, I'll try to find a small C clamp at harbor freight. Thanks Stev-o.

[Shane72]

On the right type of forks, this method can save a lot of time--done it many times.

That said, make absolutely sure you've got a tight allen-head wrench fit to the upside-down bolts in the fork bottoms.  If you strip one of them out, well, let's just say I had to remove the fork then anyway...   

All the best,

Shane

[754]

Hmmmmmmm..i have an idea for a seal puller..

methinks I should build a prototype..

[Black 750K8]

Hmmmmmmm..i have an idea for a seal puller..

methinks I should build a prototype..

Or just get a small c-clamp

[dave500]

id be replacing those bolts in your clip ons.

[Dr. Noisewater]

Just to close this out, I successfully swapped out the fork seals the other day. It was a pain getting the Allen bolt to break loose without spinning the insides but it eventually came out. I had to use an impact wrench to tighten it during reassembly though.

Took it for a ride today and it felt great. Progressive springs, OEM fork seals, and honda pro 10w fork oil.

[754]

Looks like Idaho or Montana...maybe..

[Don R]

I had a shop do mine with a seal puller, he apparently scratched the tubes because my new seals are leaking already. Beware.

[Dr. Noisewater]

It's actually Utah.

I used a big flathead and pried very gently from all sides. It was firm but I don't think I hurt anything. I inspected it after cleaning and it looked smooth.

I tried a small c-clamp, but it was too wide and wouldn't fit passed the seal so I grabbed the flathead. I also used a hair dryer on the seals in hopes of softening them up. It was fairly cold outside and thought it would help it go smoother.

[Duanob]

I had a shop do mine with a seal puller, he apparently scratched the tubes because my new seals are leaking already. Beware.

HA ha I did that on my own once and didn't cost me any shop time I learned to be real careful pulling old seals out.

[strynboen]

have also done it...the easy vay..it often helps to heat the seals up..to soft them..up...