Topic: Front Fork "piston rings"

[Ericcb750]

Hey Guys,  Have a quick question to see if anyone replaces these when re-building their front forks..... I am putting together a set of 78K forks and I have a New Progressive Spring kit, new Fork oil, new OEM Honda fork seals installed, new rubber boots/caps.....

The last thing i was wondering about is the little Fiber type rings (slant groove/cut in them) that are at the top of the damper/piston.....Do you guys normally change those out? Mine are not damaged in any way but i wasn't sure if they "wear out" and cause oil to leak past or anything like that.... Couldn't seem to find too much info on these little buggers.

Thanks for the help guys, I appreciate it.

[emlupi]

When I refurbished my forks I replaced the piston rings. They are inexpensive and very easy to install. My thought was, if I'm going to take it all apart and then refresh the seals, etc., why not these rings as well?

[jamesw]

Can't really be of any help, because I'm curious as well.

I opted to replace mine when I refurbished my K5 750 forks just to be safe.

Debatable if I'd do it again for the next forks.

[drumstyx]

I didn't, because I'm not really expecting much from these forks, not to mention that I'll probably be replacing the tubes in a year or two anyway, due to minor pitting.

[bwaller]

The last damper seals I bought were slightly undersize, obviously Honda combining model parts. Ideally the damper rod won't slide through the fork tube under it's own weight.

[Ericcb750]

Thanks fellas, I wasn't really sure if they had any "sealing" effect on the forks in any way. I'll just snag a pair and call it a day. May as well considering i just spent so much time sanding down the legs and polishing them, new seals, springs, etc.

I always appreciate the help guys, Thank you.