Stripping Forks
In order to replace the fork seals it is necessary to strip the forks. This is a very straightforward job. I believe this is well within the capabilities of the average home mechanic.

Only 1 special tool is required - and this is available through our tool sharing scheme.

 

This section describes how to strip the forks once they are off the bike. To get to this stage it is only necessary to remove the front wheel and brake caliper before undoing the bolts on the yokes so the forks can be dropped out. This procedure is explained on pages 8-10 and 8-11 of the workshop manual.

So onwards:
First step is to remove the front fork cap bolt. I have found it easier throughout the stripping process to hold the BOTTOM leg of the fork in a vice for support. 

 


Forks in vice - note cloth to stop scratches

DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE VICE - it will damage the leg. The bolt is a 19mm but I find 20mm fits better on bolts that have been taken off a few times


Taking off the bolt

When the bolt is undone, the fork spring will push it off, showing the spacer inside

 
Spacer appears after undoing bolt

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