removing fork springs air fitting type

I've read the dickens out of changing my oil seals. Got everything pretty much understood except: I removed the air fitting up top (yes I made sure there was no air inside) and my only reading to remove the springs from here is, compress the top cap down with a bar clamp to compress the spring and remove the retaining ring. I can't figure out how to get the clamp situated to compress? The fork is still in the triple tree.

 

You don't need a clamp, just a dull phillips screwdriver with a stout handle, or similar tool. The cap presses in fairly easily. Be sure to have your prefered snap ring extraction tool where you can reach it.

 

Thanks k-moe! Just assumed it would need the pressure of a clamp. I'll give it my best shot.

 

Oh. Make sure the front end of the bike is supported. Once both caps are off the springs will not be holding the bike up anymore.

 

I've got the triple tree supported with straps from the garage ceiling. Got it! You know why it felt to hard? I still couldn't budge it so I sprayed a little lube around the ring and tapped it a few times. It was seized. Then I could push down on it. I used a strap hooked on the frame and signal stem and used it to help leverage my largest allen key holding down the cap whilst I fiddled with the snap ring. Thanks again man, I'd really like to change these seals without the help of the shop. I've already read the other tricks on taking them apart but if I get stuck, I'll be sure to post! Cheers!

 

Run a strap from the front engine mount back to the center stand too. That will prevent the center stand from folding if the bike gets bumped hard.

 

Dang good idea! Had a spark plug wrench and enough rachet extensions to get the damper rod apart. So there my fork sits in pieces. Now it's off to the hardware store in hopes to find pvc pipe to help tap the new seal in.

 

Wrap the upper fork leg with electrical tape. Make it exactly one tape-width, and thick enough to engage the full diameter of the seal. Then use the upper fork leg as a slide hammer to tap the seal into place. Remove the tape and clean the adhesive off of the fork leg with carb cleaner.