For seals and other dark places I've never been!

[007jag]

Hi,
Well I searched and read most all I could here about replacing oil seals in forks. Made the special tool out of 1/2" all thread and bolts. Got the forks out, used the tool, got the small allen screw out if the axle saddle and from all I've read you just grab the inner tube and pull hard to bring everything else out.

Well the inner tube started to pull the seal out and then - POP.
It just came out with the seal and whatever else is in there still in the bottom tube. The seal looks like it is right at the top of the tube, with a couple other things right next to it.
So now how do I get the seal out without damaging anything???

Thank for you help, your input will bring life back to a bike that has sat for 15 years.

Regards,
Jack

[tkent02]

A seal puller works really well, Harbor Fright has some cheap ones that work OK.
Has the wire clip that holds the seal in been removed yet?

[007jag]

Hello,
So far I removed the dust cap, spring clip and washer on top of the seal.
The inner tube did pull it up flush with the top of the bottom tube and on the next pull the inner tube just popped out.
So the seal and other parts are right at the top, can you use a screwdriver to get it out?
Thanks again,
Jack

[tkent02]

Ber careful not to scratch anything.
The seal pullers are shaped for this, but yeah a screwdriver could work if you go easy.

[gert du prez]

Well, I wasn't quite 'easy' when using a screwdriver, trying to 'plop' out the fork seal...ended up with big scrathes on the inside of the outer tube (where the seal is seated)...
didn't pay attention to it, installed new seal...and all oil ran out via the outer side of the seal (instead of the inner side which is normally the problem).

Then dismantled everything again, put some liquid seal in the scratches, installed new seal, and now everything is ok...so BE CAREFUL with a screwdriver...you're close to scratches...

[007jag]

Got them out and the new are in!

Hi,
Wanted to thank everyone for your input - a friend & I got the old seals out and installed the new ones. He had a nifty tool for installing the seals worked great.
Thanks again,
Jack