suggestions for removing fork slider

[indestructibleman]

i attempted to replace my fork seals today.

unfortunately, one of the allen bolts i couldn't remove because it spun even with the spring fully compressed.  i'll probably go to the hardware store and try to make the tool to hold the thing in place tomorrow.

on the other side, i was able to get that out but was completely unable to separate the fork slider from the fork tube.  i clamped it in a vise and spent a large amount of time tugging on it to no avail.

i tried to use a bottle jack to push them apart, with the base of the jack against the vise and the head against the fork slider, but all this did was slide the tube in the vise.  i'm wary of tightening the vise any further because i already used a breaker bar to get it this tight.  i'm worried that much tighter and i'll damage the tubes.

does anyone have any advice for how to separate this?



thanks,
will

[werase643]

treat it like a dent puller or slide hammer

and just keep wacking it...
have you removed the dust seal and the retaining clip that will alow the seal to slide out?

[indestructibleman]

have you removed the dust seal and the retaining clip that will alow the seal to slide out?

umm.  maybe not.  i actually didn't see the retaining clip, though i do now notice it being mentioned in the instructions and see it in the diagram.

wow.  i didn't think i could actually feel more stupid before going to bed tonight.

however, i don't think i actually damaged anything and now that i know what i was doing wrong perhaps i can do it right tomorrow.  thanks for your help.

the other thing i plan to do more intelligently tomorrow is not take a wheel off my bike while it's blocking my car in the garage.


thanks,
Will

[hmmmnz]

yo dont need to remove the fork slider to do the seal,
undo the handle bars. wheels mud guard speedo cable ect, undo top of fork, undo clamps, slide fork out, remove spacer, and springs, tip out oil.
get some white spirits and swish around inside fork tip out oil and spirits again, get a screwdriver and gently digout dust seal,the the fork seal retaining clip, now, dig out you oil seal.(its a bit of a mission) make sure you have some long nose pliers. stap the screw driver in to the seal and try and much it up a but so you have something to grab onto with the pliers and pull the sucker out,. once its out but the new one in tap into place. put back the retaining clip then the dust seal, slide the fork into place tighten up clamps.wheel and nud guard back on, now fill with the correct amount of oil for your bike,(use 15 or 20w oil)10w isn't enough.
slide the spring in place with the washer with the hole in it at the top, now the spacer, then the flatwasher. now comes the tough bit, getting the top of the fork back on.
good luck

[Egaeus]

Don't feel bad, I did the same thing.  I was wondering why it wouldn't come out, and then looked at the diagram again (didn't have the manual with me).  Duh!

[indestructibleman]

much thanks.  got it sorted today.  those clips are very hard to see.  even knowing it was there it took me a while to identify the thing amonst the grime.


cheers,
will

[werase643]

Glad I could help


I feel all warm and fuzzy,  I feel KERRYesque

[Kerry]