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[naitram]

have an generic set of CCI forks on my softail and i need to replace the seals went for a ride and watched the oil  out one of the legs


what is the R&R procedure for this?
any special tools needed?

[hd-dude]

Long 6mm allen socket, Hand 3/8" drive impact, and a fork seal installer. You can use a piece of PVC pipe in place of the installer. (Get one that fits close)

Procedure:

remove leg, turn upside down and remove 6mm allen from bottom of leg using hand impact. Drain fluid.
depending on softail model there may be a collar at the top of the leg. FL softails just have a clip on top of the seal. Remove the clip.
Hold the upper leg in one hand lower in the other and expand leg hard against the seal. It will take a few wacks but the seal and upper leg will come out of the lower. Watch for the damper rod end cap. It sometimes stay with the upper and others remains in the lower. Be prepared for a mess of oil as it all does not drain out from the first step.

Remove old seal from leg. Clean upper and lower. Be sure damper rod end cap is in place and Reinstall upper leg into lower and reinstall 6mm bolt. place a light coat of fork fluid on inner edge of seal and slide it onto the upper fork leg as far as possible. Using fork seal installer or suitable PVC pipe slide it down the leg onto the seal. Use it like a slide hammer to drive the seal down until you can reistall the retainer clip. Fill with required amount of oil and re-install the leg.

Good luck and you have my number if you need it.

[naitram]

thanks Jim, not sure when i will have the time to tackle this but from your write up it sounds like i should be able to handle it

[MUFFMAN]

I'm not a mechanic like Jim is but if you are handy not a problem. I switched my 04 to chrome fork tubes. Had to do all Jim said + a lot more due to changing the guts to the chrome tubes. Didn't go bad. THE MUFFMAN

[naitram]

finally had a chance to start this project.

i have removed

front wheel
front fender
front brake from fork leg
2 bolts from lower triple tree

whats best method for removing legs from triple trees?

[hd-dude]

finally had a chance to start this project.

i have removed

front wheel
front fender
front brake from fork leg
2 bolts from lower triple tree

whats best method for removing legs from triple trees?

The legs should slide out once the fork caps are off and the pinch bolts loose.

[Chief]

finally had a chance to start this project.

i have removed

front wheel
front fender
front brake from fork leg
2 bolts from lower triple tree

whats best method for removing legs from triple trees?

If removing the pinch bolts doesn't allow them to just slip out, a trick is to remove the pinch bolts and thread them in from the back. Slide something, like a thick-bladed putty knife in the slot and tighten the bolts down onto the blade of the putty knife. This will open the opening in the lower tree up without trying something like prying it open by jamming a screwdriver in there and pounding on it to spread them apart.

[naitram]

ok, fork caps are still on. tried to losen one up but had no luck. figured id ask before trying to force it

[dayne66]

If removing the pinch bolts doesn't allow them to just slip out, a trick is to remove the pinch bolts and thread them in from the back. Slide something, like a thick-bladed putty knife in the slot and tighten the bolts down onto the blade of the putty knife. This will open the opening in the lower tree up without trying something like prying it open by jamming a screwdriver in there and pounding on it to spread them apart.

   I searched ...and I found!   Great tip, worked as advertised, thanks!