fork seals

Robert, TN. Haven't been on in a while. I have a 73 850 Commando. Just noticed after putting new shocks on while forks were tied down in motorcycle lift (front end compressed) noticed leaking from dust boot, on one leg. After refreshing myself with procedure for replacing seals I realized I would probably need a good seal driver. I mic'd the front legs, but not really sure as to what brand or size in mm to order. If anyone has any suggestions, or what has worked for them, that would be great. I believe all seal drivers are mm specific. Thanks

Turn a bit off the old top bush flange and use it as a slide hammer [flange facing towards the seal] works a treat. Just throw it down the installed stanchion onto the seal,. easy.

John, Thanks for the reply. I have never done it before, However, after looking at several you tube videos, it doesn't look to bad. I 'd have to look at the video again to fully understand your post. I assume in order to use the old bushing as a seal driver you are assuming that I am replacing them with new? I had intended to order from Old Britts just the paper washers and new seals. I was hoping to add a seal driver to my tool box just to have it for future use if needed. I believe they are leg/mm specific? Robert

You could once the new seals arrive take one to your local plumbing supplies or hardware store and find a suitable size plastic pipe or other plastic plumbing fitting.
These should be strong enough to drive the seal home (if not you have a problem that needs addressing) but not damage it.
i learned that from a genuine factory Kawasaki manual years ago and it has worked many times.

+1 on PVC pipe

I have a heavy brass ,thick walled slide hammer ,couple of thou bigger than the stanchion,and a tad smaller than the seal OD...get your local machine shop to knock you one up..with this the seal will not tip over and goe's in like magic ..smear a little grease in the fork bore first.

norton1973 said:

John, Thanks for the reply. I have never done it before, However, after looking at several you tube videos, it doesn't look to bad. I 'd have to look at the video again to fully understand your post. I assume in order to use the old bushing as a seal driver you are assuming that I am replacing them with new? I had intended to order from Old Britts just the paper washers and new seals. I was hoping to add a seal driver to my tool box just to have it for future use if needed. I believe they are leg/mm specific? Robert

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