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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Merritt on April 27, 2009, 11:20:22 AM

Title: Rebuilding forks
Post by: Merritt on April 27, 2009, 11:20:22 AM
So I'm starting to order parts to rebuild my forks.

I know I need springs, and oil.  I know the seals are leaking, so I'll get a pair of dust and oil seals.  Anything else I should make sure I've got?
Title: Re: Rebuilding forks
Post by: The Buddha on April 27, 2009, 11:47:07 AM
Oooo rebuilding, yes, you want to get all new metal. Steel, and I am sure some bushings are made of copper and the outer leg is aluminum. Then caps are made from steel too, but have threads. The spring is made from a high tension alloy of steel.
There is some chrome also you want that too. Its the bling bling man, must have that.
Cool.
Buddha.
Title: Re: Rebuilding forks
Post by: sledge on April 27, 2009, 12:10:39 PM
Copper sealing washers that fit under the damper bolts.......item 15.

(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd92/iainmcdermott/forks.gif)
Title: Re: Rebuilding forks
Post by: The Buddha on April 27, 2009, 12:24:36 PM
Quote from: sledge on April 27, 2009, 12:10:39 PM
Copper sealing washers that fit under the damper bolts.......item 15.

(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd92/iainmcdermott/forks.gif)

And dont forget, 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, ---- all the way to 22. Remember sledge, he said he's rebuilding it. Not just putting copper washer and seal in it.

Best way is to make it out of metal by buying all new metal.

Cool.
Buddha.
Title: Re: Rebuilding forks
Post by: ineedanap on April 27, 2009, 12:39:49 PM
and #6, the clip that holds the fork seal and bushing in.  You probably won't be able to (or want to) reuse your old one. 
Title: Re: Rebuilding forks
Post by: The Buddha on April 27, 2009, 12:42:39 PM
We true rebuilders dont need no steenkin #6. We make it from bare metal. Steel ... ha ... I tear it with my teeth and twist it into that shape.
Spring steel you say ... I got your spring steel right here ...
Cool.
Buddha.
Title: Re: Rebuilding forks
Post by: commuterdude on April 27, 2009, 02:54:34 PM
I got away with just springs, dust and oil seals, oil, and a piece of 1.5" pvc 2 ft long to install the oil seal.     Totally transforms the bike.    I would like to get some nice black fork boots to cut down on the shiny chrome.
Title: Re: Rebuilding forks
Post by: Merritt on April 28, 2009, 09:06:23 AM
Ok.  Looking at getting numbers 4,5,6,7,and 15 (two each).  Am I missing anything?

I apologize for sounding like such a newb.  This is the first time I'm getting down to do some REAL work on a bike.
Title: Re: Rebuilding forks
Post by: jdw03n on April 28, 2009, 01:34:33 PM
I'll be doing this one myself next also....paid some yobo a while back to install progressives, new oil seals and new dust seals.  Almost had to sue the idiot to get the bike back, very little work done, seals started leaking almost immediately.  Yobo ceased operations and ceased answering his phone.

More confidence since my failed rejet/carb cleaning, so I think I'm going to try to screw up my forks after I break the chin spoiler and headlight fairing I just bought.  Think I'll photo document the heck out of the process.
Title: Re: Rebuilding forks
Post by: The Buddha on April 28, 2009, 01:37:17 PM
Well ... since carbs are screwed up and its not running anyway, what diff does it make.
BTW carbs are almost harder to get right than forks ... so you maybe OK. No modding of the forks = easier.
Cool.
Buddha.
Title: Re: Rebuilding forks
Post by: Merritt on April 28, 2009, 01:51:34 PM
Just thought of something else......

I know which static rate springs I need to get.  However, would a progressive rate spring have any advantage/disadvantage over static rate?