Front fork disassembly

G-Man · Post by **G-Man** » Tue Oct 09, 2012 1:06 pm

I had to use heat on some of the fork legs I dismantled. My tool covers CB72, CL72 and CB160 which are all slightly different diameters.

The two handles really help to get some purchase on the seal holder and reduce the chance of it slipping off.

If you could find some steel tube of the right diameter you could drill and weld on some nuts / handles. I just couldn't find any so had to do it the hard way...... :-)

Thanks for the kind words, Rob. I have had people ask me to make them one, but there are just too many hours in that thing....

G

nosfoursale · Post by **nosfoursale** » Wed Oct 10, 2012 10:21 pm

Thanks for all the good tips.

junk726 · Post by **junk726** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 3:16 am

great info guys! so if i am to understand this correctly..i need to unscrew the chrome part off of the steel lowers? i have mine on the bench and have no special tool..probably just try a strap wrench..but dont want to damage anything..so just making sure i am doing it correctly! looked at the manual and stumped as to how they are held in..done a bunch of motocross forks old and new..do i need to hold the chrome part and unscrew the lower legs as i hold it in place or vice versa..thanks in advance for any help for this newb! im learning!

G-Man · Post by **G-Man** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 4:26 am

Put the spindle end of the steel lower in the vise. Don't clamp the tube part - just the part where the spindle goes through.

Grip the chrome seal holder with the strap wrench and turn....

You may need to heat the seal holder to make it easier to unscrew.

G

Seal Holder Tool - CB160 by graham.curtis, on Flickr

Snakeoil · Post by **Snakeoil** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 8:20 am

If the strap wrench slips, see if you can find some rosin at a hardware store. If not there, try a sporting goods store. It's a powder that you can put on the strap and it will make it grip like mad without damaging the surface of the seal retainer.

regards,
Rob

junk726 · Post by **junk726** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 1:42 pm

PERFECT! pic is VERY helpful..i understand now! And i am on my way to grab a strap wrench and some rosin! thanks to everyone for the patience and help! GREATLY appreciated!

junk726 · Post by **junk726** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 12:07 am

ok..so the strap wrench and rosin worked GREAT! that was easy! thanks guys! BUT..now i am still stuck! i loosened the chrome housing off to reveal the edge of the bronze bushing..(i got that loose and "out" up the leg..and i STILL can't get the leg out of the lower tubes!? i put leg in vise (at the axle mount) and tried the "slide hammer" technique..and now i am afraid i am missing a step..seems like they are still connected at bottom of tube somehow?..OR because they haven't been apart in 20+ years..maybe just keep yanking at them? i searched forum best i know how..and hate to ask one more dumb question..but also dont wanna risk damaging the forks/springs/etc...i thank u all in advance for any help and your patience! almost there!