Clarification on Progressive Spring Install Please

[beRto]

I've been reading the various tutorials on installation of progressive springs. I understand there are two ways to go about this:

• 1. Lazy Method (Pantablo) - suck out old oil while fork remains on bike
• 2. Full Method (Kerry/Richard) - remove fork from bike to dump out all fork oil

I am unclear about one thing. If I proceed with the full method, do I necessarily need to change the fork seals? They haven't given me any trouble, so I'm not sure if I want to change them. Given that I'm working on the springs, should I go ahead and change the seals anyways as preventative maintenance?

thanks.

[coll0412]

You don't have to replace the fork seals with either method, and my rule of thumb is if it ain't broke don't fix it

[Kerry]

I agree!

[trumpetguy]

I've been reading the various tutorials on installation of progressive springs. I understand there are two ways to go about this:

• 1. Lazy Method (Pantablo) - suck out old oil while fork remains on bike
• 2. Full Method (Kerry/Richard) - remove fork from bike to dump out all fork oil

I am unclear about one thing. If I proceed with the full method, do I necessarily need to change the fork seals? They haven't given me any trouble, so I'm not sure if I want to change them. Given that I'm working on the springs, should I go ahead and change the seals anyways as preventative maintenance?

thanks.

And Laziest method -- don't change the oil at all.  Yank out the old springs and put in progressives.  That's what I did.  Absolutely don't change the fork seals unless they are leaking.  Or unless you like spending money on things that don't need fixing!

[GSRider]

Another how to for you, with plenty of pictures:

http://esport.sportbikes.com/wwwthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/940631/an/0/page/0#940631

[Kasumi]

Id also like to add to the comments about changing fork seals.

You could actually create problems. Seals work not just by being tight but by residue from the substances that touch them drying on and forming air tight barriers. So putting new ones in could create leaks until they have bedded in.


This method of sealing is very common. Especially on large agricultural machinary. You would think that combine harvesters internals were all sealed off from all the dust created as they work but actually when you lift the side covers up everything is covered in crap. But its just how it works to keep bearings sealed etc..

[kml.krk]

And Laziest method -- don't change the oil at all.  Yank out the old springs and put in progressives.  That's what I did.  Absolutely don't change the fork seals unless they are leaking.  Or unless you like spending money on things that don't need fixing!

I did the same thing. Since the oil was very clean and had seen only 1500 miles I decided to leave it in. I willl change it next season, maybe.

[crispy5]

Another how to for you, with plenty of pictures:

http://esport.sportbikes.com/wwwthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/940631/an/0/page/0#940631

This link appears to be broken.  Does anybody have an updated link?

[ben2go]

I have found that when pulling the fork tube, out of the slider, the seals some times become damaged.Inspect them well before reassembly.Apply liberal amounts of oil to the seals when you reassemble the forks.

[beRto]

I have found that when pulling the fork tube, out of the slider, the seals some times become damaged.Inspect them well before reassembly.Apply liberal amounts of oil to the seals when you reassemble the forks.

Why pull out the fork tube unless the seals are being replaced?   

[ben2go]

I have found that when pulling the fork tube, out of the slider, the seals some times become damaged.Inspect them well before reassembly.Apply liberal amounts of oil to the seals when you reassemble the forks.

Why pull out the fork tube unless the seals are being replaced?   

To remove all fluid and clean the forks thourghly.

[beRto]

I have found that when pulling the fork tube, out of the slider, the seals some times become damaged.Inspect them well before reassembly.Apply liberal amounts of oil to the seals when you reassemble the forks.

Why pull out the fork tube unless the seals are being replaced?   

To remove all fluid and clean the forks thourghly.

Gotcha... forgot how thorough you are! 

[ben2go]

Yep.  Maybe I'm a little to cautious but none of my bikes have ever let me down,so far.I've always made it home.