Get some new seals. When it comes time to fit them, use a press and a makeshift drift the SAME diameter of the fork seal if you have access to them. Makes the job almost easy.
Otherwise, you've got to get the soft rubber fork seals down in the lower fork tube low enough to replace the snap ring in its groove without bashing the seal into a useless crumpled mess.
One trick I just learned about involves saving the old fork seals and using them as makeshift drifts to gently (but firmly) tap the new seals into place:
1. Pry out the old seals. The best way I found is to use a stout screwdriver and the rubber covered handle of a set of pliers--snap ring pliers work the best 'cause the handle is flat--as a fulcrum/protector laid across the top of the lower fork tube.
2. Slide the fork tube back into the lower fork.
3. Slide the new seal down the fork tube (right side up!).
4. Slide an old seal down the fork tube on top of the new seal.
5. Tap away. Patiently. So patiently.
Its not perfect, but it kinda works.
Bottom line: changing fork seals is a bitch without a press.
Honda go sideways!
Otherwise, you've got to get the soft rubber fork seals down in the lower fork tube low enough to replace the snap ring in its groove without bashing the seal into a useless crumpled mess.
One trick I just learned about involves saving the old fork seals and using them as makeshift drifts to gently (but firmly) tap the new seals into place:
1. Pry out the old seals. The best way I found is to use a stout screwdriver and the rubber covered handle of a set of pliers--snap ring pliers work the best 'cause the handle is flat--as a fulcrum/protector laid across the top of the lower fork tube.
2. Slide the fork tube back into the lower fork.
3. Slide the new seal down the fork tube (right side up!).
4. Slide an old seal down the fork tube on top of the new seal.
5. Tap away. Patiently. So patiently.
Its not perfect, but it kinda works.
Bottom line: changing fork seals is a bitch without a press.
Honda go sideways!
