tricks to reinstall forks ... can't get in yokes

[mich]

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?

[Bob_Roller]

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 .

[nhmaf]

+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.

[Barry]

The stanchions should be a reasonably tight fit so this is normal. I use hardwood wedges to get mine out and in again.

[mich]

Thanks guys ... i'll give it a go today

[mich]

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

[Lucky_Lou]

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

[mich]

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?

[Bob_Roller]

I put the wedge in the top of the gap of the triple clamp .

[donbmw]

I have always use a couple of large blade screw drivers and tapped firmly and my have always slide out easily.

Don

[nhmaf]

Are you certain that the tubes are clean and have no 'kinks' in them?

[bruce_launceston]

Are you putting one back at a time, you have removed the axle and wheel haven't you?

[fermin]

Towel with boiling water wrapped around the brace.  MAybe a little expansion helps.

[mich]

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

[Bob_Roller]

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 .