Changing fork seals. First timer

[Lowen1981]

How easy is it to change the fork seals in a 59 model 14 250cc. It's the James lightweight front end. Spoke to a couple of mechanics and they say they are quite tricky.

I've got the owners Manuel to help me along the way.

Do I need any special tools? Or should I let someone experienced take care of it?

[Mick D]

Hi

It really depends on your ability and available tooling - what aspects of the task did the mechanics say were tricky?

One easy consideration is, do you have all of the tools and facilities required? (vise / workmate, Whitworth spanners, means to tie down the rear of the bike when the front wheel is removed etc.

Regards Mick

[SPRIDDLER]

Why not make contact with your local section?
There will be the opportunity for advice, possibly practical help and perhaps the loan of any special tools needed now or later.
At my section we have had club nights in winter when a different expert each month brings a part and tools along and does a refurb job, e.g. dynamo, forks, hubs, cyl head etc.


(We never did hear whether Chopper Jackson managed to remove the socket which he jammed solid in his wheel hub
........ whilst demonstrating its use as an ideal bearing removal drift )

[Lowen1981]

I've got all the tools and a bike lift I just didn't wanna get so far and realise I can't finish the job.

The mechanics said you need a special tool for removing the seals?

[Mick D]

Hi

Doesn't look like you do from the description in the workshop manual.

Why not give it a go, you can always get help on here if you get stuck? and you'll save paying labour costs.

Worse case you may have to ask a garage to do a small part of the task rather than all of it.

Regards Mick

[Big Pete]

Im assuming these are the forks you have that you stretch th seal over the bush? If it is they really are ok to do. Remove the spring from the seal and put that on seperatelyup the stantion the seal now goes over the bush quite easily . Refit the spring put on the slider and the seal goes over the top. Screw the retaining screw back into the damper. Fill with oil, job done.
That is if its the same as the forks on my FB/James trials bike.
If not sorry!, if it is give it a shot.

[dave16mct]

Just looked at this and it doesn't look too dificult.
http://majcd213norton.blogspot.com/2015 ... eight.html

Dave.

[Lowen1981]

Cheers guys. Think I'll give it ago when the parts get here

[Group Leader]

I'd be interested to hear how you get on - I've got to do mine whilst the bike is hibernating this year.

Alan