03 CRF450 and Front Fork Oil Seals

[RedThumper]

Can anyone help with some info? I'm in the process or replacing the front fork oil seals on my 03 CRF450 and I don't understand how you get the inner tube out of the outer tube. I have the spring and dampner out of the tubes, but for some reseason the inner tube won't slid out of the outer tube. Is there a trick to getting it to slide out so you can replace the oil seal?

Any tips would be appreciated.

 

[YZ165]

Did you remove the clip that holds the seal in place? If you did, and only if you did, slide the tubes together about halfway and firmly try to slide them back apart. It may take a few tries, it's a snug fit between the outer tube and the seal. Good luck. YZ165

 

[RedThumper]

Thanks for the tip YZ165. It worked just like you said.

 

[RedThumper]

Now my second question is, what's the best way to get it back together? Any suggestions?

 

[YZ165]

:laugh: Glad I could help. The best way to get it back together is with a fork seal driver.

If you don't have one of those, :think: you could use a punch and a soft faced hammer. Just don't damage the inner lip of the seal, or the inner tube. It is possible to make a fork seal driver out of PVC, Steel, or Aluminum tubing. Measure the outer diameter of the inner tube, and find a piece of tubing that has the same inner diameter. Cut yourself about four inches of it, and split that down the middle on both sides. You may have to grind one end so that it fits between the inner and outer tubes.

If you have LeakProof seals(I don't recomend using them), they simply push in by hand.

Good luck RedThumper, YZ165

 

[James]

I wouldn't do it without a good fork seal driver. Anything else is just too much trouble for me.

 

[YZ165]

I agree. Just trying to give him some options.

 

[RedThumper]

I went with the PVC and it worked like a charm. My local parts dealer wanted $60 for a fork seal driver, so I stopped by Home Depot instead and got a peice of PVC for $3 and it worked great. Thanks for the info...

 

[YZ165]

No sweat. Fork seal drivers are great, but you have to do a lot of seals to justify the cost. YZ165

 

[James]

Glad the PVC worked!

If you own a CR/CRF, it is likely that you will do enough fork seals to justify the cost. :) Considering the dealer wants $60 an hour to work on stuff, I figured my driver was paid for after the 1st use.

 

[YZ165]

:rotfl: