Steps Download Article1 Prepare the motorcycle for maintenance. [1] …2 Disassemble the fork. [2] …3 Remove the old seal. [3] …4 Prepare the fork for a new seal. Remove all rust and repair imperfections that led to the old seal’s leakage. …5 Install the new seal. …6 Put the fork back together. …7 Repeat the process on the other fork leg.8 Reassemble your motorcycle’s front end. …

How to replace Fork seals on motorcycle?

Use these steps to replace your fork seals. Prepare the motorcycle for maintenance. [1] Loosen the 2 bolts that secure the fork legs to the frame and the caps upon each leg. Then loosen the brake caliper bolts and the whole front axle of the bike. Put the bike in gear and chock the rear wheel. Raise the front wheel off the ground as far as needed.

How to rebuild dirt bike forks?

Cleaning the upper fork is crucial to rebuilding dirt bike forks. Cleaning off all of the old grease and oil will allow for a new, fresh coat that will last much longer than without it.

What is a fork on a motorcycle?

The “fork” is the suspension at the front of a motorcycle. In nearly every motorcycle available today, the front wheel is held on by an axle that’s connected to the fork. It’s called a fork because it has two prongs that go around each side of the wheel.

How do I change the oil in my fork?

1 Situate the clip and dust seal back onto the fork. Place the damping rod back inside. 2 Pour new oil into the fork, measuring the height as necessary. 3 Re-install the spring and screw on the fork cap. Tighten the bolts. More …

How to remove forks from a bike?

The first step is to remove the forks. This process should be covered in a shop manual for your bike if you have one. If not, remove the brake calipers and the front wheel. Then loosen everything you can while the forks are still attached, it makes it much easier to disassemble them in the next steps, and keeps you from having to put them in a vice. Be sure to get the bolt on the bottom, but keep it finger tight to prevent the fork oil from draining yet. And loosen the cap on top with a crescent wrench, it’s the part with an air valve. Then loosen the necessary bolts on the fork brace and steering stem to let the forks slide out .

How to get black haze off of nail polish?

Put some gloves and glasses on, and start rubbing on the polish with a soft rag until a black haze develops. It doesn’t take long. Then buff it off with a buffing wheel, or a rag if you don’t have a buffer, although the buffing makes a difference.

Do you have to replace the fork seals on a 1985 Honda Shadow?

This is how i restored the shine to my motorcycle forks on a 1985 honda shadow vt700 while replacing the fork seals. You don’t have to replace the seals while doing this, but since you’ll have the forks off anyways, it’s a good idea. Take a look at the bushings too while you’re at it.

What happens when fork seals blow?

When fork seals blow or begin to leak, gravity takes its course and the fork oil will slowly seep out all over your brake calipers and into the brake pad material, also coating the rotor. This IS a safety issue and should not be taken lightly. It will also FAIL state inspection. Keep an eye on this area constantly to avoid these problems. A routine $60 service can turn into a $200 service very quickly if left untouched for too long!

What can get thrown on a polished fork?

Remember that as you ride dirt, bug guts, water, and road grime can get thrown onto your polished fork stem. You need to keep these areas clean after every ride. Some people like to go as far as placing “gators” or dust covers over the fork. I have even seen bandanas get tied loosely around the fork tube.

What is Honda’s front fork?

The one that is most commonly used is known as the “telescopic” fork type (standard or right-way-up). In its most basic form, it operates with the use of springs, oil, compression/rebound orifices, and of course a way to keep it all contained… the fork seal.

What does motorcycle fork oil do?

The job of motorcycle fork oil is to make the motorcycle stop bouncing around after the spring compresses then rebounds.

What is the best fork oil to use?

Check your manual for your fork oil. It varies between motorcycles. You have to know a) what fork oil to use and b) how much to use.

How do you change the fork oil and fork seals?

Every motorcycle varies in how it’s put together. But generally, the process for changing the fork oil and seals is like this:

What causes fork seals to fail?

This is something I discovered when changing my own fork oil and seals. The primary reason fork seals can fail is pitted forks.

What do you need to change fork oil?

Before starting your fork oil change, there are some tools and consumables you should get.

What is the difference between a motorcycle fork and an upside down fork?

The main difference between conventional motorcycle forks and upside-down forks is in “unsprung mass”. The unsprung mass is the word used to describe the weight of everything under the suspension spring — i.e. the wheels, brakes, tyres, and the bottom half of the suspension fork.

What is a fork on a motorcycle?

The “fork” is the suspension at the front of a motorcycle. In nearly every motorcycle available today, the front wheel is held on by an axle that’s connected to the fork. It’s called a fork because it has two prongs that go around each side of the wheel. Where the forks of a motorcycle are.

How to remove a spring from a fork?

2. Lift the fork leg enough to expose the top of the spring. Hold the nut securing the spring to the damper rod with a 1/2in open-end wrench. Loosen and remove the fork cap. 3. Loosen the pinch bolt on the lower steering yoke.

Why do forks end up on bikes?

Positioned as they are at the front of the bike, forks end up by default with heavy exposure to road debris and moisture. Dirt and moisture take a toll on fork seals, which help keep fork tubes clean, wiping them with every pass.

When was the Roadholder fork introduced?

First introduced in 1946 and then modified in 1953, Roadholder fork construction stayed relatively constant until the end of Norton production in the mid-1970s.

Can you hammer a nut on a stem?

Note: Never hammer on the stem without first threading the securing nut until it’s just flush with the end of the stem to prevent thread damage. Further, never hammer on the nut and stem directly; use a block of wood. This isn’t an expensive proposition.

How to change fork seals on a bike?

To replace fork seals, start by loosening the 2 bolts securing the fork legs to the frame and the fork leg caps. Next, loosen the brake caliper bolts and front axle before putting the bike in gear and chocking the rear wheel. Then, raise the front wheel and remove the brake calipers, fender, front wheel, and other hanging cables.

How to remove a fork seal?

Find the fork seal itself. It is held into place by a clip within a groove. Pry the seal out carefully. Flush the area as you go to remove debris within the fork. Take the tube in 1 hand and the stanchion in the other. Use muscle to pull the 2 apart.

Why do forks need a seal?

The fork itself consists of two tubes. Each tube requires a seal to keep the oil of the interior of the tube from leaking out. Fork seals should be replaced as soon as leaking oil is noticed. If the seal is left unchanged, …

How to pull a stanchion out of a tube?

Take the tube in 1 hand and the stanchion in the other. Use muscle to pull the 2 apart. You will see the seal coming out of hiding as you do this.

How to set seals on a car?

Set the seal with a seal driver. This will tap the seal into place gently but firmly.

What to remove from a car with a fender?

Remove the brake calipers, fender, front wheel and any other hanging cables.

How long does it take to reinstall a fork?

If you have the right tools, and the parts are in good condition, it should take no more than 2 hours. Patience is the key to have a clean fork tube before reinstallation.