Just ripped this fork apart and did a 200 hour on it but somehow this seal didn't end up very flush. Is it okay to ride, or is there a way that I can level it out without needing to take the lowers off again?
Thanks guys!
by BennettMTB
Just ripped this fork apart and did a 200 hour on it but somehow this seal didn't end up very flush. Is it okay to ride, or is there a way that I can level it out without needing to take the lowers off again?
Thanks guys!
by BennettMTB
5 Comments
Installing the seal straight and at the proper depth is essential if you want your fork to work well, you need to take it apart and reseat that seal.
If you have access to a 3D printer, Google “split fork seal driver”, see what they do in the motorcycle world, and perhaps roll your own.
Maybe cut a plastic pipe like from a sink drain so you can flex it around the fork tube and try to drive the seal in
You could scratch the stanchions with that, especially cause the seal is compromised and could let dirt in. It needs to come apart and be fixed. The part that’s pushed in too far needs to be pulled out, and you aren’t doing that with the fork together. It literally is just removing the air and like two bolts.
If you aren’t willing to fix something when you do it wrong, you shouldn’t do it yourself.
You will possibly damage the seal trying to bodge it in. You need to strip the fork and start again. There are specific tools to fit seals safely, and securely, without damage so it lets oil leak out, or even dirt in to damage the stantions as the fork goes up and down. The tools are based on fork and seal diameter. I bought one with seals for when I change mine because I’ve watched riders try to punch their new seals in without a seal tool and know how it can go wrong.