Topic: Practically free fork seal setting tool for CB550 and other 35mm fork seals

[Duanob]

I'm in the middle of rebuilding my forks, what a nightmare! I pumped out nothing but water so far. I dried and used PB blaster to displace any remaining water and let the parts dry. So in the process of ruining the first fork seal trying to install it. I looked around my basement for something that will fit tight but still slip inside the lower tube.

Voila! a piece of 1 1/2" ID ABS black plastic pipe fits like a glove. I cut a piece about 12" long with the end perfectly square using my chop saw, sanded it smooth so not to damage the new seals I have ordered and coated it with light lubricant. I also found an end cap in my plumbing box. The second seal went in perfectly using the tool with a few light taps with a rubber mallet. It was all free for me but probably cost a couple bucks at the hardware store.

[flybox1]

Slide that one over here...D 

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=75179.0

[Gordon]

That's what I use, too.

[Duanob]

Slide that one over here...D 

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=75179.0

Done.

[climbingaz]

great info!

[Alan F.]

Be sure to slop plenty of red grease onto your new seals, as well as the sliders after you've cleaned them. Your seals will slide in easily and quickly without damage.  I also recommend greasing up the top of the seal and the snap ring groove before the snap ring goes back in place, and after its in there slap some more grease in there before pumping the fork a few times. Also the best dust seal trick I know is to cut the lower lip off the dust seal with a razor blade and totally pack the dust seal with red grease, it'll slip into place very easily and the grease thats trapped inside will prevent fork stiction as well as extend the life of your new seals by keeping more dirt and water out of there.  There will be some residual grease on the tube for a short while but it will stop appearing after a few miles.

Cheers