Leaking forks on Model 30

Information relating to the Matchless G11 or AJS Model 30 600cc twin
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rodthomas
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Joined: Wed Jul 27, 2005 1:00 am
Location: SOMERSET UK

Leaking forks on Model 30

Post by rodthomas »

Both teledraulic legs on my 1958 Model 30 are leaking hydraulic oil from the joint at the top of the aluminium legs. It seems most noticable when the bike has been standing immediately after a long ride. My guess is that oil is being forced up past the seals while riding and it then slowly seeps out of the joint.

I plan to ovehaul them this winter, the forks are in pretty good nick so I am only planning to replace the oil seals. I wondered if anyone has experience of this job as there seem to be a number of ways to go about it. The complete fork legs could be removed and then overhauled on the bench or alternatively it seems that the fork sliders can be dropped, leaving the fork legs attached to the steering yokes. Any advice on the pros and cons of these alternatives would be greatly appreciated, along with the parts I will need.

Rod
Rod
stubbs
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Leaking forks on Model 30

Post by stubbs »

whileyouarereplacing the oil seals you might just as well take the forks right apart and replace the existing ? bakelite bush underneath them with the bronze bushes which can be obtained from Russels and possibly the spares scheme and at the same time clean the innards up - saves you having to dismantle again in your lifetime
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Chazzyb
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Leaking forks on Model 30

Post by Chazzyb »

As Reg says, you may well be better off taking the forks out completely. In particular, getting the seals out/parting the stanchions from the sliders can require some, er, shall we say energetic, *yanking* on the stanchion with the slider clamped appropriately.
Charles
laxy
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Leaking forks on Model 30

Post by laxy »


This realy is a case of investing a few quid in a manual
it is explained in simple terms in the relevent chapter.
The only specialist tool you will need is a fork peller
that screws into the top of each stantion in turn and drives it out of the youlks.Use again to pull the stantions back up into position after replacing the seals.
The fun realy begins when you try to seperate the stantion from theslider cos you must overcome the compresion of the lower spring.
I achieved this by placing the extention bar from my socket set were the wheel spindle lives then replacing the caps on the fork ends.
Next replace the fork puller in the top of the stantions then in true pogo stick fashion standwith both feet on the extension bar and grab the fork puller with both hands . Now pull sharply upwards on the fork puller to extract the stanchion /seal/spring/bushes from the slider. It helps matters if you apply a little heat to the top of the stantions using a black and decker electric paint stripper gun.
It also helps matters if you keep your jaw out of the way during this operation my freind says you will be spitting teeth for a week
Hope this is of some help,

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Chazzyb
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Leaking forks on Model 30

Post by Chazzyb »

You *may* not need a fork puller. To remove the stanchions, undo a fork top nut (bolts really) a few turns at a time and using a suitable piece of wood in between, give it a good whack with your favourite heavy hammer. I fitted new springs from the spares scheme a couple of years ago and found there was no need for the puller when refitting - a good push up on the leg with one hand and 'catch' the fork top nut (bolt) with the other.
Charles
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rodthomas
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Location: SOMERSET UK

Leaking forks on Model 30

Post by rodthomas »

Thanks for the advice guys, much appreciated (I'd like to keep my teeth!)
Rod
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