questions about forks

[shadowmagic]

So I'm going to do my forks this weekend. I had a setback and had to fix a check engine light on my truck. I have watched the videos and read the articles but I have some questions.
1. Will I need any special tools if I'm only doing the seals and bushings? (I believe the answer is no)
2. Once i get off the calipers, tire, fender and dust seals, I can just pull down with force to get the rest of the seals and bushings out?
Any help greatly appreciated.

[sandy]

Search you tube for a video on VTX1800 fork seals. They are the same but about 3/4" longer. All the internals are the same. Yes:You do need special tools for seating the seals and dust seals.

[Gryphon Rider]

You can make a seal driver out of a PVC pipe coupling.  I don't remember what size; perhaps others can provide details.

The lock nut under one of the top caps requires a thinner than usual wrench to loosen.  I think it's #19 below.  There is a wrench in the OEM toolkit that works, otherwise you'll have to find a thin wrench set, or grind down a regular wrench.



Regarding question 2, once the cap (18) is off the rod (14 & 15), a slide-hammer type of pulling action will pop the seal out.  I think you have to remove the clip (17) first, though.  I did my seals a looonnnggg time ago.

[da prez]

Just an fyi. Use OEM honda parts.  Save a second rebuild.

             da prez

[shadowmagic]

awesome, thanks for the tips everyone

[sandy]

1800 forks seal replacement. Part 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXZPzQqfAXc

[Kep]

Just an fyi. Use OEM honda parts.  Save a second rebuild.

             da prez

Amen to the OEM parts ....I learned the hard way , tried All Balls ..most evrything was fine except the DUST SEAL would absolutely NOT go in.

[shadowmagic]

I'm going to put everything on probably tomorrow. I purchased everything weeks ago so I ended up with aftermarket parts but I'm sure I can make them work. I keep a steady supply of duct tape, epoxy, and super glue around lol

[shadowmagic]

does anybody know the size of pvc pipe i need?

[98valk]

does anybody know the size of pvc pipe i need?

https://tech.bareasschoppers.com/resources/handy-motorcycle-tools/#sealdriver

[shadowmagic]

Thank you valk for the quick reply.

[..]

So I'm going to do my forks this weekend. I had a setback and had to fix a check engine light on my truck. I have watched the videos and read the articles but I have some questions.
1. Will I need any special tools if I'm only doing the seals and bushings? (I believe the answer is no)
2. Once i get off the calipers, tire, fender and dust seals, I can just pull down with force to get the rest of the seals and bushings out?
Any help greatly appreciated.

This might help

https://postimg.cc/gallery/7ZQt2pj

[MarkT]

I used All Balls kit for my recent rebuild.  They are a tighter fit than OEM especially the dust seals.  The homemade seal driver will not work even with clever force applied - like using ratchet straps and hammers etc.  These are the tools I needed to assemble my forks.  Large sockets I didn't already have.  The hook made to compress spring with a ratchet strap.  The fabbed long spanner instead of buying the Honda tool.  Seal driver from online considerably cheaper than from Honda. Be careful on the fluid amount and weight.  I went with 10 wt. I'd change it to thinner say 7 or 5.  And put in a couple ounces less than spec.  I installed VTXtreme 4° triple trees and Progressive springs at the same time.  Too stiff now and sure it's from the fluid, as the same springs on Deerslayer improved the ride.




The bike assembled.  Also polished the forks and related parts.

[shadowmagic]

Thanks for the info Mark. Those forks look amazing! great job!