• Required reading for all forum users!!!

    Welcome!
    Register to access the full functionality of the GSResources forum. Until you register and activate your account you will not have full forum access, nor will you be able to post or reply to messages.

    A note to new registrants...
    All new forum registrations must be activated via email before you have full access to the forum.

    A Special Note about Email accounts!
    DO NOT SIGN UP USING hotmail, outlook, gmx, sbcglobal, att, bellsouth or email.com. They delete our forum signup emails.

    A note to old forum members...
    I receive numerous requests from people who can no longer log in because their accounts were deleted. As mentioned in the forum FAQ, user accounts are deleted if you haven't logged in for the past 6 months. If you can't log in, then create a new forum account. If you don't get an error message, then check your email account for an activation message. If you get a message stating that the email address is already in use, then your account still exists so follow the instructions in the forum FAQ for resetting your password.

    Have you forgotten your password or have a new email address? Then read the forum FAQ for details on how to reset it.

    Any email requests for "can't log in anymore" problems or "lost my password" problems will be deleted. Read the forum FAQ and follow the instructions there - that's what we have one for...

  • Returning Visitors

    If you are a returning visitor who never received your confirmation email, then odds are your email provider is blockinig emails from our server. The only thing that can be done to get around this is you will have to try creating another forum account using an email address from another domain.

    If you are a returning visitor to the forum and can't log in using your old forum name and password but used to be able to then chances are your account is deleted. Purges of the databases are done regularly. You will have to create a new forum account and you should be all set.

Tip for replacing fork caps

  • Thread starter Thread starter Anonymous
  • Start date Start date
A

Anonymous

Guest
Everyone who has replaced their fork caps knows what a hassle it can be to get them started. Especially when you're on your own. I came up with what I consider an ingenious method when I replaced my fork oil this weekend.
I took a 3/4" wooden dowel approximately 8" long and filed a flat spot on the side at one end. The flat spot makes contact with the top of the cap and the body of the dowel presses against the handlebar. Lifting up on the dowel, pushes the cap down squarely against the fork tube threads. The shape of the dowel enables you to get an open end wrench on the nut and turn it while maintaining pressure on the nut.
I bet I've replaced a couple dozen cap nuts over the years and sweated the job every time. My only disappointment and surprise is that it took me so long to think of this.
Now that I think if it, I hope at least one person reading this hasn't thought of this idea before. LOL
 
Well I know I haven't, and I'll be changing my fork oil soon... for the first time ever, so THANKS!! In fact I'm going to search on it soon to find the ins and outs - it's amazing I haven't had to ask one question here yet, they all get answered when I do a search. I'm loving this.
 
Fork Tube Caps?

Fork Tube Caps?

Another proven method is to aquire a 3/8ths drive "speed handle" ( looks like a crank handle ) and use an appropriatly sized socket. This allows the user to apply downward pressure on the cap and rotate the cap to thread it. This tool allows good control with out excessive force which may strip the treads on the cap. Also very good for removing caps. A 3/8ths drive also gives you a tool for many other bike related tightening or loosening tasks when used with your socket set.
A great tool to add to your toolbox.
 
I push down on the cap and turn the upper fork tube until a couple of threads catch............works everytime!

8) Andre 8)
 
Wow! I just replaced the seals on my forks last week, I wish I would have thought to use a speed wrench!!! Man that would have been alot easier.
Having the fork loose from the front end and trying to replace the cap was a nightmare! I almost put my eye out !!!
 
This is definately a situation where you need safety glasses and a lot of distance between you and your Mercedes. It's even worse when putting in inch and a half long spacers. I managed to eject the contents of my forks over my shoulder. 8)

Steve
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top