Fork service tip

[jre258 in SoDak]

While doing some service work on my forks, I found that a faucet handle puller works great for pushing down the top plug of the fork so you can remove or install the snap ring retainer. It allows you to use both hands to do the tricky job of getting the snap ring out. There is just enough of a lip on the upper triple tree for the legs to catch or the tool could be modified to catch on the bottom of the air collar. They can be found at most hardware stores or plumbing supply houses. I can't recall ever seeing this tip on the sight before, so I just though that I'd let you know.
Jim

[richardb, austin]

I'd never even heard of such a tool - but I googled it & got a hundred pics. Thanks for the tip.

[SgtSlag]

I use a gear puller -- similar, but much heavier, clunky, and not that easy to secure to the triple tree. This would work much better, and it would be much easier to attach, as it is much thinner, and narrower to fit into the area. I may have to pick one of these up, instead. Thank you! Cheers!

[Chris near Kansas City]

Good tip!

[dmwoost]

I did use the faucet handle puller. I bend the tips up so they would grab the under side. Home Depot $11.00. The second item i used is a little de-soldering tool from Harbor Freight. It has a hook on one end the other end is just a little crook, it works great to get the little lock wire.
good tip Thanks,

[crash33]

when I changed mine I used the drill press, rotated the table to the side and off set the clamp to hold the tube, used a punch in the chuck to hit the center and then pushed it down locked it in place. made for a easy job

[Barry]

I used a large bar clamp made by Irwin, available at home depot. I did have to place a small socket between the clamp & the fork cap. The other end of the clamp was placed under the bottom of the triple tree.

[jre258 in SoDak]

I used a large bar clamp made by Irwin, available at home depot. I did have to place a small socket between the clamp & the fork cap. The other end of the clamp was placed under the bottom of the triple tree.

Barry, I had done the same thing when I first installed the progressive springs. The trouble is that it is cocked to the side. Maybe I used too small of a socket since it wanted to tip.

[Barry]

Jim,
You are right. The first time I tried this I too used too small a socket. Keeping the clamp parallel with the fork tube is also critical. A larger socket works fine, but does make removing the retaining wire clip more challenging. I used a tool similar to a dental pic & had no trouble. The bar clamp made the job very quick & easy.

[JimK]

Jre258 thanks for the tip. That works great. I found that when removing the clip if you push it down instead of up it moves out of the groove easily and then can be removed with a small screw driver. Push it down with one screwdriver and pick it out with another at the same time.