The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: mich on April 14, 2012, 03:39:38 PM

Title: tricks to reinstall forks ... can't get in yokes
Post by: mich on April 14, 2012, 03:39:38 PM
Hi guys,

I removed my forks (with some persuasion using a large socket) from the yokes for some work.  Now on the reinstall, I can't seem to get the forks back into the yokes.  Any tricks?  i.e. heating up the lower triple tree yoke or ...?  Im kinda stuck here.  Any way to spread open the yoke to increase the diameter to made the fork go in easier?
Title: Re: tricks to reinstall forks ... can't get in yokes
Post by: Bob_Roller on April 14, 2012, 03:43:52 PM
I've used a wood wedge and a hammer to slightly open up the clamps, key here, a few taps should do it, don't go overboard, or you may be looking for new triple clamps .

 You don't need to open them up much to get them past the clamps, a bit of light oil/grease on the triple clamps will help as well .
Title: Re: tricks to reinstall forks ... can't get in yokes
Post by: nhmaf on April 14, 2012, 09:35:20 PM
+1 with Bob's suggestions.  They came out, they will go back in - you just have to resist using alot of of force, use a little light lubricant and slight 'tweak' on the yoke clamps with wooden or plastic lever/wedge.   Sometimes I use rubbing alcohol for lubricant - leaves no residue and quickly evaporates after the tube is slid in.
Title: Re: tricks to reinstall forks ... can't get in yokes
Post by: Barry on April 15, 2012, 03:59:30 AM
The stanchions should be a reasonably tight fit so this is normal. I use hardwood wedges to get mine out and in again.
Title: Re: tricks to reinstall forks ... can't get in yokes
Post by: mich on April 15, 2012, 12:35:27 PM
Thanks guys ... i'll give it a go today
Title: Re: tricks to reinstall forks ... can't get in yokes
Post by: mich on April 15, 2012, 03:08:31 PM
wow .. no luck in mudville.  I used hardwood wedges and even tempted fate and used a tapered brass punch.  No luck.  I'm pretty screwed here.  Any thought about removing entire triple tree and install off of bike and reinstalling triple trees with forks installed.  I knew I should have just taking to the shop :(
Title: Re: tricks to reinstall forks ... can't get in yokes
Post by: Lucky_Lou on April 15, 2012, 03:40:32 PM
Try chamfering the leading edge of the fork tube as you reenter it, use a fine file or emery cloth with wedges in place it should go back, i have had the forks off an on the R and the K without any problem ? twist it as you apply pressure.
Lou
Title: Re: tricks to reinstall forks ... can't get in yokes
Post by: mich on April 15, 2012, 03:52:27 PM
do you guys wedge from the bottom or top? i.e. pound in wedge from bottom of yoke or top .... and in "slot" or as close as possible to where the fork inserts?
Title: Re: tricks to reinstall forks ... can't get in yokes
Post by: Bob_Roller on April 15, 2012, 03:53:29 PM
I put the wedge in the top of the gap of the triple clamp .
Title: Re: tricks to reinstall forks ... can't get in yokes
Post by: donbmw on April 15, 2012, 05:03:44 PM
I have always use a couple of large blade screw drivers and tapped firmly and my have always slide out easily.

Don
Title: Re: tricks to reinstall forks ... can't get in yokes
Post by: nhmaf on April 15, 2012, 10:10:41 PM
Are you certain that the tubes are clean and have no 'kinks' in them?
Title: Re: tricks to reinstall forks ... can't get in yokes
Post by: bruce_launceston on April 16, 2012, 02:30:02 AM
Are you putting one back at a time, you have removed the axle and wheel haven't you?
Title: Re: tricks to reinstall forks ... can't get in yokes
Post by: fermin on April 16, 2012, 04:36:51 PM
Towel with boiling water wrapped around the brace.  MAybe a little expansion helps.
Title: Re: tricks to reinstall forks ... can't get in yokes
Post by: mich on April 18, 2012, 07:06:28 PM
:) Yeah ... one fork at a time ... wheel off.

Last, perhaps dumb question, .... per the Clymer I removed the top caps / circ-clip prior to removal of the fork.  Do you guys reassemble the fork i.e. top cap reinstall ... before you reinstall the cap?  I think it would be easier with a reassembled fork but i don't have a feel for if the fork will fit into the yokes with the cap back on.  Hopefully last question   Thanks for all the help
Title: Re: tricks to reinstall forks ... can't get in yokes
Post by: Bob_Roller on April 18, 2012, 07:36:03 PM
I completely re-assemble the fork tube/assembly prior to installation .

I perform the work with the fork clamped into a work vise, cushioned with wood cut out to the dimensions of the lower fork leg and the upper fork tube .
Title: Re: tricks to reinstall forks ... can't get in yokes
Post by: tvrla on April 20, 2012, 09:32:04 AM
I know this sounds stupid, but did you loosen the pinch bolts?

And I've always used a broad blade screwdriver as a wedge. It doesn't take much pressure - and if you're careful it doesn't even leave any marks.

I wouldn't file the fork tubes - it may be possible to go through the chrome and you don't need rust starting up there! Besides, I've never had a problem getting fork tubes installed, so that sounds like an unusual solution to me.