Changing fork seals without stripping forks? - SV650.org

22-08-10, 04:19 PM

Is it possible to change the fork seals in an SV1000SK3 without stripping the forks down completely, i.e. just dropping them out and sliding the seals etc off without dismantling inner/outer? I just changed the springs and fork oil a couple of thousand miles ago and now one side has started weeping slightly so it would be nice if it's possible!

rictus01 · 22-08-10, 04:31 PM

I've seen it tried a couple of times, one resulting in a right mess the other in a new lower fork leg needed, so no I'd say, after all how good is a "seal" going to be if it just slides out

.

Do it properly, it shouldn't take much more time and you'll only need topup oil for any you spill.

Cheers Mark.

Sid Squid · 22-08-10, 04:39 PM

Are you suggesting that you might attempt to get the seals out without removing the stanchion from the tube?
If yes then I strongly advise against it - I've seen the results of this more than once and it's been expensive, the last time was someone on here and their SV650, the inevitable gouging had ruined both sliders and stanchions.
If you're thinking that you could leave the stanchion in place in the yokes and slip the lower off of it, then yes, you could, but you're not going to be able to refill the forks with damping oil with any sort of accuracy, and the SV1000 forks are good quality units and deserving of getting it right so they work as well as they can.
It really isn't much work to do it correctly. You'll likely need to fabricate a damper holding tool, which is very simple and cheap and won't take long - if you need to do so I can provide details and dimensions.

22-08-10, 04:40 PM

Heres a tip, worked a treat for me.

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.p...highlight=seal

Sid Squid · 22-08-10, 04:44 PM

You don't need to buy a seal replacement tool - use the old seal.

Rub it down a bit on it's outer face so that it's no longer a fit in the recess and use it to press the new seal in.

22-08-10, 05:48 PM

naa my link was to a £1.28 plumbing coupling i used as a slide to hit them in easier.

Sid Squid · 22-08-10, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beabert

naa my link was to a £1.28 plumbing coupling i used as a slide to hit them in easier.

Yes, I understand, my suggestion is still £1.28 cheaper though

.

Bibio · 22-08-10, 07:55 PM

there is a tool for doing exactly what you want but i have not seen one in ages. its a pair of funny looking pliers with 'hooks' on the end that you press and twist into the old seal then lift out. years ago i used self tappers to good effect but it takes practise.

yorkie_chris · 22-08-10, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sid Squid

Yes, I understand, my suggestion is still £1.28 cheaper though

.

That's my sort of accounting

yorkie_chris · 22-08-10, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bibio

there is a tool for doing exactly what you want but i have not seen one in ages. its a pair of funny looking pliers with 'hooks' on the end that you press and twist into the old seal then lift out. years ago i used self tappers to good effect but it takes practise.

Sounds dodgy to me.

You can use oil pressure in fork to remove them, take clip and dust seal out and compress leg.

But, still preferable to take leg out and do job right, IMO.

22-08-10, 04:19 PM	#1
tim8061 Guest Posts: n/a	Changing fork seals without stripping forks? Is it possible to change the fork seals in an SV1000SK3 without stripping the forks down completely, i.e. just dropping them out and sliding the seals etc off without dismantling inner/outer? I just changed the springs and fork oil a couple of thousand miles ago and now one side has started weeping slightly so it would be nice if it's possible!

22-08-10, 04:31 PM	#2
rictus01 Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: South London Posts: 9,799	Re: Changing fork seals without stripping forks? I've seen it tried a couple of times, one resulting in a right mess the other in a new lower fork leg needed, so no I'd say, after all how good is a "seal" going to be if it just slides out . Do it properly, it shouldn't take much more time and you'll only need topup oil for any you spill. Cheers Mark. __________________ Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a Ride!

22-08-10, 04:39 PM	#3
Sid Squid No, I don't lend tools. Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Skunk Works, Nth London Posts: 8,680	Re: Changing fork seals without stripping forks? Are you suggesting that you might attempt to get the seals out without removing the stanchion from the tube? If yes then I strongly advise against it - I've seen the results of this more than once and it's been expensive, the last time was someone on here and their SV650, the inevitable gouging had ruined both sliders and stanchions. If you're thinking that you could leave the stanchion in place in the yokes and slip the lower off of it, then yes, you could, but you're not going to be able to refill the forks with damping oil with any sort of accuracy, and the SV1000 forks are good quality units and deserving of getting it right so they work as well as they can. It really isn't much work to do it correctly. You'll likely need to fabricate a damper holding tool, which is very simple and cheap and won't take long - if you need to do so I can provide details and dimensions. __________________ If an SV650 has a flat tyre in the forest and no-one is there to blow it up, how long will it be 'til someone posts that the reg/rec is duff and the world will end unless a CBR unit is fitted? A little bit of knowledge = a dangerous thing. "a deathless anthem of nuclear-strength romantic angst"

22-08-10, 04:40 PM	#4
beabert Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Changing fork seals without stripping forks? Heres a tip, worked a treat for me. http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.p...highlight=seal Last edited by beabert; 22-08-10 at 04:41 PM.

22-08-10, 04:44 PM	#5
Sid Squid No, I don't lend tools. Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Skunk Works, Nth London Posts: 8,680	Re: Changing fork seals without stripping forks? You don't need to buy a seal replacement tool - use the old seal. Rub it down a bit on it's outer face so that it's no longer a fit in the recess and use it to press the new seal in. __________________ If an SV650 has a flat tyre in the forest and no-one is there to blow it up, how long will it be 'til someone posts that the reg/rec is duff and the world will end unless a CBR unit is fitted? A little bit of knowledge = a dangerous thing. "a deathless anthem of nuclear-strength romantic angst"

22-08-10, 05:48 PM	#6
beabert Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Changing fork seals without stripping forks? naa my link was to a £1.28 plumbing coupling i used as a slide to hit them in easier.

22-08-10, 07:55 PM	#8
Bibio Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: here as devil's advocate Posts: 11,569	Re: Changing fork seals without stripping forks? there is a tool for doing exactly what you want but i have not seen one in ages. its a pair of funny looking pliers with 'hooks' on the end that you press and twist into the old seal then lift out. years ago i used self tappers to good effect but it takes practise.

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