Fork seals problem

[jordanearl]

I am using the faq writeup to do my fork seals.  I have run into a problem with the allen bolt in the bottom, apparently you have to have a non standard size.  Anyone know what size it is, i am on a limited budget, and can't afford to buy 3 or 4 different ones to figure it out.  I think this should also be included in the writeup.  I have both the standard and metric folding style sets, and neither will work, I also had a oddball socket style, but the base of the socket was too fat help!!!!!!!

[vfrocket]

Is it this one??? I dont see any other allen type bolts on the forks


If so this is a #6 metric allen that is 6mm

[davipu]

at the bottom of the fork leg,  after removing the axle you can see it.  in this diagram it's item #14.  but I can't remember what size it is.  but I am thinking 8mm.  

[Kerry]

You need an 8mm Allen wrench that you can stick in the long way.

Also, be aware that you may need to create / borrow a tool similar to the ones shown in this post and in subsequent posts in the same thread.

EDIT: Updated wrench size. based on jordanearl's feedback below.  I have NOT confirmed it myself.

[jordanearl]

it is for sure an 8mm, but for the life of me i can not get the damn thing to break free, even with air tools, so i guess im going to make me the tool.  This should be something that we send around.  I am willing to make one, and let it float around to people that need it.  Thanks

[callmelenny]

it is for sure an 8mm, but for the life of me i can not get the damn thing to break free, even with air tools, so i guess im going to make me the tool.  This should be something that we send around.  I am willing to make one, and let it float around to people that need it.  Thanks

I thought about mailing them too, but because of the weight & length it is about as cheap to just make one. :dunno:

[jordanearl]

yeah i ended up getting a 24 inch bar with 2 nuts on each side, so not worth paying shipping on, and i got it all for 6.61 with tax

[Kerry]

I assume it worked OK for you?

EDIT: My 20" tool sticks a good way out of the fork.  Did you find the extra length unwieldy at all?

[jordanearl]

worked great on the first side, haven't got to second yet, also what works the best for seating the seals?

[knowlsey]

I have an old fork tube off a god knows what bike, it slides over the gs one nicely and just fits the edges of the seal to tap it in evenly, but any bar thats long enough and wide enough and fits snuggly around the outer edge should do it

[Kerry]

I use a length of 1.5" Schedule 40 PVC pipe, which doubles as a fork tool storage unit.  



Did you remember to put something like Saran Wrap around the fork tube before sliding the new seal on?  (Just in case there are "dings" in the tube that could nick the seal....)

[jordanearl]

sweet, i work in a pipe plant, making high density polyetheleyne (hdpe) pipe, so thats gonna be a piece of cake.  Thanks

[knowlsey]

sweet, i work in a pipe plant, making high density polyetheleyne (hdpe) pipe, so thats gonna be a piece of cake.  Thanks

how convenient is that then