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Fork seal on air assisted forks

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by TMILLZ10, Jun 12, 2019.

  1. TMILLZ10

    TMILLZ10 New Member

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    I trying to figure out how to replace my fork seal on the left fork and I have everything out and the old oil drained but I can’t seem to push down the top section so that I can get the spring out. There is an air nipple there and I’m not sure what to do. I have the manual but only shows how to do it without the air nipple. 1982 Yamaha xj650 Maxim
     
  2. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    HOW TO: Change your fork seals

    You will need to use a socket so you can push the cap down wothout damaging the air valve.
    It's easier to push the cap down if you still have the fork in the triple clamp (the top clamp has to be loose though).
     
    Chitwood and Colin 85 700 like this.
  3. Chitwood

    Chitwood Well-Known Member

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    +1 if you dont have the top clamp loose it will be very difficult to press it down to remove the retaining ring
     
  4. TMILLZ10

    TMILLZ10 New Member

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    Okay now that I got that all off what are some homemade things I can use to hold the nut on the inside?
     
  5. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    That's coverer in the thread I linked, but may not be clear enough.

    This thread has a fair overview of what people have come up with.
    fork-rebuild-tool-question.39633

    IMO the spark plug socket is the easiest to do.
     
  6. TMILLZ10

    TMILLZ10 New Member

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    So it’s not working, I got a set of hex bolt essentially the same as the spark plug socket but I got different sizes cause I wasn’t sure. I looked in there and it looks like it’s just round and not hexagonal like it would be. Any thoughts???
     

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  7. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    It's not round, and it's not hex.
    You might have the wrong size socket.
    page-2
    The above thread has the dimentions you need, and a good close-up picture of the top of the dampening rod.

    You can also use (and I have used) a wooden broom handle instead of the tool. A hardwood dowel with one end cut into a cone works well too.
     
    Last edited: Jun 13, 2019
  8. Colin 85 700

    Colin 85 700 Active Member

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    Just for curiosity sake is it like some wonky-doodle insideout torx? Or a 12 point?
     
  9. Colin 85 700

    Colin 85 700 Active Member

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    Fiinally got that thread to load, ingenious device.
    Note, not all spark plug sockets have the same hex size for the wrench end.
    Be sure thats right
     
  10. TMILLZ10

    TMILLZ10 New Member

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    No I know that’s why I actually got a set of sockets that have the hex in it. It came with 10mm, 12mm, 14mm. 17mm and the 14 felt like it was gunna for but it would grab then slip. Not sure what to do and the 17 seemed like it was too big. It’s tough not being able to look down to be able to see
     
  11. Chitwood

    Chitwood Well-Known Member

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    I used a half inch bolt with a couple nuts locked together slid inside a 3/4 deep well socket with long extension. Worked like a charm.
     

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