Problem with replacing fork seals and bush...

[Dusty]

I've just changed the fork seals on my bros, and discovered in the process that one of the bushes was also knackered. I ordered a new one and it has gone in ok.

But the bike has obviously been crashed on the right hand side at least once at some point in the past and the top of the lower part of the fork (not the stanchion) if slightly bent in. I now can't get the washer that sits between the bush and the oil seal to go back in.

Would it be a bad idea to file a bit off this washer?

The dent is only at the top of the lower part, so I don't think it will effect the oil seal, although it may make the dust seal sit a bit wonky. Any ideas peeps? Can't afford to be replacing forks atm.
____________________
Gallery

[Guest]

So this is the rim above the oil seal, that the dust seal fits over?

Can't see it doing any harm myself if you file it away as long as you don't go down below the edge of the seal.

I know they don't look trendy, but why not fit a pair of fork gaiters - they'll cover up the 'bodge' and also make your seals and stanchions last longer by keeping the crap out.

[mr.z]

Gaiters while looking about as sexy as George Formby rideing sa cammel, will keep your forks pit free, and believe me pitted forks are a spectacular pain in the ***

You might (very might) be able to get your fork leg bent back into shape, personaly i woudn't be rideing it if it was bent... it depends on how much of the washer you need to file off, i doubt it would do any harm, especially if your forks are allready knacked, have a look at the local breakers and see if theres anything there?
____________________
>RidingSkills<->Tech Tips<->MyBikes<

[Kickstart]

Hi

I would not file the washer, but I might well be tempted to clean up the bit of the fork lower than has been pushed in. Time to crank up the Dremel.

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[Dusty]

Thanks for the replys.

I don't think the actual fork is bent, just the top of the lower section has been very slightly dented in, about where the dust seal sits. I don't think/(hope) it will effect the oil seal.

The forks are already a little pitted, as the bike has done nearly 100,000km. But I don't think that the pitting is bad enough to damage the new seals in the short term at least. Tbh I'm a little reluctant to spend money on the bike as it will probably die soon anyway.

Why do you think it would be a bad idea to file the washer Keith? The fork is only dented in about 1mm or less, but it would take a lot more effort to file down the fork than shave a bit off the washer(even with a dremel, which afaik is lost somewhere in the garage ). I'm pretty sure it is only dented in right at the top and isn't going to damage the new seals.....
____________________
Gallery

[Kickstart]

Hi

Not sure how much the washer will support the fork from side to side, but chopping a bit off it will stop it doing that. Also why damage something that is undamaged when you can have the same effect cleaning up the already damaged part.

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing