Getting ready to tackle Fork seals

[jordanearl]

I have my ebay bought fork seals in hand.  getting ready to try an change them out.  I searched and found the faq on changing them, but it says nothing abou the type of oil, or the exact amount to put in each side.  other than the faq, are there any other pointers you can give me, this will be my first set of forks ever!!!!!!

[BUZZIN]

Start by reading some of the stuff I went through.
http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17552&highlight=
The Clymer shop manual states two different ways to measure; by volume which is 382 ml per fork leg, and by measuring a vertical fully collapsed fork leg without the spring at 3.9 inches from the top.  Believe me, go with the 3.9 inches no matter what volume you get.  I have approximately 14.75 oz. in each leg with the Progressive springs.  This puts me at about 5.5 inches from the top.  I calculate that 16 oz. in each leg will get you to about the 3.5 inch mark.  I'd use 15W for sure with stock springs.

Use the search button near the top of the screen.  That should get you a lot more information.

[VTNewb]

I'm doing this on my dirtbike this weekend, except I have no fork driver! Tragedy. I think I'll just use a rubber mallet and PVC.

[jordanearl]

hmmm well after reading those posts i am totally confused.  I read the faq and it seemed pretty easy.  Now im thinking its not gonna be something i can tackle.  I have stock springs, and it seems thats all that link u gave me was talking about.  can someone scan the page from a manual .  maybe that will help me out.  And as far as the fork oil question, besides it being 15w is there anything else i need to know about it.  If possible i was going to get oil at walmart.

[Blueknyt]

it does have to be fork oil (strangely my maxim called for 30w engine oil :dunno: ) 5w-10-15-or 20w would depend on how you like your ride, 5 is really soft, and 20 is realy firm. doing seals isnt hard, its intimidating but very doable


(Note to self, rebuild extra set of forks in shed and take trade in's for side cash)

Im sorry, did i just say that outloud?  :mrgreen: