Replaced Fork Seals

[Bob_Roller]

Replaced the fork seals today at work, I could not believe the amount of crud that was in there, and I replace the fork oil every year! I think I need to open up the forks a little more often then every 16 years. I installed progessive springs and gaiters. Rob Valdez, where did you install the bottom clamp on the gaiters ? I tried on the top of the lower forkleg, but it just kept sliding off, so I moved it down about 1/4 th inch and it seems happier there. Also how far below the lower triple clamp did you install the upper clamp?

[Justin B.]

On the bigger bikes the gaiters fit right up against the lower tree...

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Bob,

For the longest time, I had the bottom of the gaiter clamped at the top of the slider, where I believe there is a flat that is about as wide as the bottom of the gaiter/hose clamp.

It was at last springs' Boxerworks forum rally, that Duane showed me the error of my ways.

He told me I needed to pull them as far down as possible, to allow the accordions to be somewhat stretched.  This helps preserve your normal amount of travel.  If the gaiter compresses completely before the fork has reached full compression, it will deny you that travel.


And yeah, the top just goes up as close to the triple clamp as you can get it.

[thrang]

I'm debating whether to cut down the top of a set of gaiters or dump my fork brace. I cannot have both as the compression on the gater with the brace dosen't allow enough travel.