Topic: can't get fork seal in?

[c(b)hris]

When you install new fork seals, do they need to go in until the bottom is tightly seated against that little ledge?



I've been pounding this thing for a while and it doesn't seem to want to budge.

thanks in advance

[DarcyCB400F]

Did you lube it up a little to help? They should drift in nicely to seat. Are you sure you have it in right side up?
When it seats, it should sound different when you are seating it... What are you using to drive it in?
Perhaps some more pictures would help...

[TwoTired]

When you install new fork seals, do they need to go in until the bottom is tightly seated against that little ledge?

No.  Only far enough to enable the keeper ring installation.

Cheers,

[MoMo]

Just going to say what TwoTired posted.  As long as the seal is not cocked and the retainer can go in you will be OK...Larry

[cobrajunkie]

What are you pounding it with?

[cobrajunkie]

I used this home-made slide hammer (with lube like DarcyCB400F posted) and they went in easily.  I bought this at ACE hardware in the plumbing dept. Lube the upper and slide the seal on the upper from the bottom-up to midway.  Make sure the gills of the seal are facing down and make sure your upper is clean.  If not clean, recondition it and/or recondition the lowers seal mating surface (do a search). Install the upper tube into the lower.   Slide the hammer over the top of the upper and onto the top surface of the seal.   Tap softly to get the seal seated then hammer it home.  It just needs to be below it's retaining clip.

 

[splitt]

I use a deep well socket that is slightly smaller in diameter than the outside of the seal. I turn it upside down so the hex end is facing up. After lubing the seal, I tap the inverted socket with a hammer until the seal is seated. I also watch the deep well socket as I drive it in to make sure that it is going in straight.

Like the others have said, it just needs to be in far enough for the retaining clip to be installed.

[c(b)hris]

thanks for the info.

I coated everything in fork oil and put the  seal in with this side facing down - and the side with writing facing up.

Then I put the old seal on top of it and put a wood block on top of that so it would go in evenly and tapped it with a hammer.
I think they're in.  I definitely thought it felt like they were seated at one point, but I was surprised to see that they weren't all the way against that lip.  Just wanted to double check.

thx