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debby
Joined: 15 Apr 2004
Posts: 890
Location: Boulder, CO
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 Posted: Sat Jun 26, 2004 2:47 pm Post subject: Fork rebuild question |
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I just have a simple question today - I need some advice on how to get the seal retainers loose. I bought a set of fork legs off ebay for my disk brake conversion project and need to rebuild the forks. These rings do NOT want to come loose though.
thanks,
Debby |
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illf8ed
Joined: 30 Dec 2003
Posts: 472
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| Posted: Sat Jun 26, 2004 7:44 pm Post subject: fork seal retainers |
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Hi Debbie,
The seal retainers have right handed threads, turn counter clockwise to remove them. If they're stuck soak the threads in penetrating oil and let them sit for a day. If that doesn't work try heating up the from legs with a propane torch. After you get the retainers off push the fork tubes to the bottom, then pull up quickly. This will drive the upper fork bushes out along with the fork seals. |
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norbsa48503
Joined: 07 Apr 2004
Posts: 995
Location: Flint, Michigan
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| Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 4:12 am Post subject: |
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| Debby, If your doing this without help. You need a rawhide mallet. I named mine "Rap Smartly" . Get a good fit with a pipe wrench, apply a light pressure with a short grip leaving the end of the handle exposed for mallet blows. Then rap smartly with a rawhide mallet. It's a good time to score some Leak Proof Brand seals. norbsa |
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Dwardo
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| Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 8:41 am Post subject: Leak proof |
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| If you don't mind the looks of the old "accordian" boots vs. the more modern wiper boots, you don't need the Leak Proof seals. I've been running the same set of standard seals for years with no leaks at all by using the boots, which keep crud off the fork legs. Before this I was constantly replacing seals. It also keeps the chrome on your fork legs in nice shape by not letting dirt and water be converted into a grinding paste. End of commercial. |
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dynodave
Joined: 28 May 2003
Posts: 139
Location: USA
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| Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 9:43 am Post subject: |
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Last edited by dynodave on Mon Apr 11, 2005 5:11 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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debby
Joined: 15 Apr 2004
Posts: 890
Location: Boulder, CO
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| Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 7:36 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks guys. Sounds like it's time for another trip to the HW store.
I'll definitely be installing the gaiters/accordian boots/whatever they're supposed to be called. Sounds like the way to go, and I think they look nice anyway. Gives the bike a nice classic look.
Debby |
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Ron L
Joined: 27 Feb 2004
Posts: 1101
Location: Ohio
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| Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2004 3:31 am Post subject: |
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Debby,
I have always found it best to clamp the seal holder (steel) in a vise. I usually wrap the seal holder with a piece of emery tape for extra grip. Then using the front axle as a tommy bar, turn the lower leg to unscrew the seal holder. This is a tip I got from Brian Slark years ago.
I don't like using a pipe wrench as these will leave score marks on the seal holder. Strap wrenches usually wont hold tight enough.
I haven't tried the chain vise grip. Sounds pretty good.
Ron L |
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Guest
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| Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 5:07 pm Post subject: |
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Just a little update. I used a vise grip chain wrench to get the things apart and it worked great! My local Ace HW wanted $36 for a new one so I bought a used one off ebay instead.
At the moment I don't have access to a workbench with a vise so that technique wasn't available to me. Sounds good though.
But next month I'm moving out of the apartments and into a cute little house. And it has a big garage with shop space so no more working out of the storage unit - YAY!!! That will make everything so much easier. 
Debby |
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Norton Commando Forum by Corporate Pages Web hosting using phpbb
The Unapproachable Norton Commando
At the end of 1967 the Norton Commando was announced.
The Norton Commando was greeted with a certain amount of scepticism because on first sight the commando appeared to comprise of the old Norton Dominator twin cylinder engine mounted at an inclined angle in a set of new cylinder parts.
It was not realized that the new Norton Commando Isolastic method of engine suspension damped out all engine vibration and produced a machine which had uncanny smoothness for a vertical twin. In due course the critics were silenced and the Norton Commando had the distinction of being regarded as the first of todays so called superbikes. There can be little doubt that the original design concept of the Norton Commando has proved correct, since comparatively few modifications of any real consequence have been made since production commenced during 1968.
Now nearly 40 years later Norton Commando riders like us are a breed of our own, and as far as we are concerned its still more fun to go for a blat on the old Norton Commando, and fast. As a Norton Commando owner and enthusiast, my goal here is to promote and give credit to those who keep the Norton name going.
It is more deserving to give credit to the Commando itself, for after all these years it continues to be respected. The original Commando designers like John Favill are those who deserve the credit for developing this incredible motorcycle.
The Norton Commando Roadster and Interstate of the late seventies, never died. Although the Norton Villiers factory dispersed the tradition lived on. Today Kenny Dreer in the USA is developing the new 952 CC Norton. What a great looking bike this is, and its engineering is still based on the original layout. It will be interesting to see how the new 952CC Norton does in todays tough motorcycle market. One thing is for sure, I would own one if I could afford it.
